Government responds to Bicester MOD asylum accommodation plans
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 17:38 · Archive
The UK Government has written to Bicester Town Council about plans to house up to 1,256 asylum seekers at a former military site near the town.
The UK Government has written to Bicester Town Council regarding plans to house up to 1,256 asylum seekers at a former military site near the town. Anna Turley, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, sent the letter on 19 October after months without response to local concerns.
In her response, Turley acknowledged the "strength of feeling" within Bicester and surrounding communities. She said the inactive military site would provide basic, safe accommodation designed to be "largely self-sufficient" to minimise impacts on local communities. The Government stated there would be a permanent specialist security presence operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, alongside CCTV monitoring and recording systems.
Turley told Bicester's Mayor Dr Paul Wheatley that responsibility for determining the planning application lies with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which is acting as the independent decision-making authority. She said it would be inappropriate for the Home Office to influence planning decisions. The public representation period closed on 17 September. The Government said it would continue engaging with local authorities, NHS organisations, emergency services and elected representatives if the scheme proceeds.
How it is being reported
- Government breaks silence on MOD Bicester asylum plans after council furyMinister Anna Turley has finally responses to Bicester Town Council over controversial plans to house asylum seekers at Bicester MOD after months of silenceOxfordshire Guardian · 19 Oct, 16:31
- Government breaks silence on MOD Bicester asylum plans after council furyMinister Anna Turley has finally responses to Bicester Town Council over controversial plans to house asylum seekers at Bicester MOD after months of silenceOxford Mail · 19 Oct, 16:31
In this story: Anna Turley · Bicester Town Council · MOD Bicester · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)