The Government is now seeking permission to accommodate up to 1,256 people at MOD Bicester Site A for up to 10 years.
But this is not the first time a large asylum accommodation proposal has been put forward for this location.
A previous proposal for approximately 750 people was considered more than 20 years ago and was ultimately refused by an independent Planning Inspector.
That earlier decision raises an obvious question:
What has changed to make a substantially larger proposal acceptable now?
The previous proposal was smaller
The earlier scheme was for around 750 people.
The current proposal is for up to 1,256 people – significantly more.
That means the scale of accommodation, infrastructure, transport demand, environmental impact and pressure on the surrounding area would all potentially be greater than under the previous proposal.
The fact that a smaller scheme was previously refused does not automatically mean the current application must also be refused.
But it does mean the reasons behind that earlier decision should be looked at carefully.
Why does the previous refusal matter?
Planning decisions are supposed to be based on evidence and the suitability of the site.
Where an earlier proposal at the same location was refused, it is reasonable to ask:
- what concerns led to that refusal
- whether those concerns still exist today
- whether the current application has properly addressed them
- whether the increased scale of the new proposal creates additional impacts
- what material change in circumstances justifies a different outcome now
Those are legitimate planning questions.
A previous refusal can be particularly relevant where the underlying characteristics of the site – such as its rural location, transport limitations, access to services and wider infrastructure constraints – remain broadly similar.
A larger scheme deserves even greater scrutiny
The current proposal is not simply a repeat of what was considered previously.
It is larger.
That makes it even more important that the Government demonstrates clearly why MOD Bicester Site A is now considered suitable for accommodation for more than 1,250 people.
If the site was previously judged unsuitable for a smaller scheme, residents are entitled to expect a clear and evidence-based explanation of why those concerns no longer apply.
This is a point you can raise in your objection
If this concerns you, you can refer to the previous refusal in your objection.
You might ask whether the issues identified by the previous Planning Inspector have been fully addressed and whether the significantly greater scale of the current proposal makes those concerns even more important.
As with all objections, it is best to put the point in your own words.
You do not need to argue that the previous refusal automatically decides the current application.
The stronger point is simply this:
if a smaller proposal was refused before, the Government should clearly demonstrate what has materially changed before approving a larger one now.
Have your say before 17 September
The formal objection window closes on 17 September 2026.
We have created pre-filled emails, a full objection template and guidance on the strongest planning issues to make submitting your objection as straightforward as possible.
Please take a few minutes to submit your objection today.
OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL
