Military base asylum plans granted planning approval

Planning permission to house asylum seekers at a former military site near the Oxfordshire village of Piddington has been granted by the government.

The Home Office's application to house up to 1,256 men at the MoD Bicester site was fast-tracked using an Urgent Crown Development application.

The nearby village of Piddington symbolically voted to leave the UK in opposition to the planned site, which has also been legally challenged by campaigners.

A Home Office spokesperson said the planning permission "allows us to continue to progress the use of MoD Bicester" but no final decision on the proposal had been taken.

A government report said the decision received 3,177 representations against, and one in support.

It also said Housing Secretary Angela Rayner ruled permission should be granted because "national demand for asylum accommodation remains high".

The permission allows for demolition of existing buildings, the erection of new modular accommodation, and provisions for health and welfare facilities.

Chris Philp MP, Shadow Home Secretary, said: "Angela Rayner and the Labour government have betrayed the people of Piddington by abusing their emergency powers in this way."

He continued: "Instead of accommodating illegal immigrants, the government should leave the ECHR so they can be rapidly deported."