Why it matters
The cost is staggering. The environmental questions are serious. Our communities deserve answers.
The Government proposes to accommodate up to 1,256 people at MOD Bicester Site A for at least ten years.
But the implications of this development extend far beyond the site itself.
From the potential cost to taxpayers and environmental consequences to the impact on surrounding communities and concerns about the planning process, we believe this proposal raises questions that demand proper scrutiny.
Here’s why we believe it’s the wrong plan for the wrong site.
The Numbers that matter
£1.2 Billion
Estimated total cost of the proposal
The campaign’s working estimate of the potential overall expenditure.
£269.7 Million
Estimated initial development costs
Potential expenditure before the accommodation opens.
6,000 litres
Estimated daily diesel consumption
A provisional figure illustrating questions about the site’s energy requirements.
5,094 Men
Potential annual resident turnover
Illustrative projection based on full occupancy and an assumed 90-day average stay.
The cost to taxpayers
Is This Really Value for Money?
The Government’s proposal could cost taxpayers an extraordinary amount of money.
Beyond the initial development, there are ongoing costs associated with accommodation, energy, infrastructure, transport, policing and security.
Why spend hundreds of millions developing a rural site when other accommodation options may offer better value?
We believe the Government must demonstrate that the financial implications have been properly assessed and that more cost-effective alternatives have been considered.
The environmental impact
At What Cost to Our Countryside?
The development raises serious questions about the potential consequences for Oxfordshire’s countryside, wildlife and natural environment.
From diesel consumption and vehicle movements to protected species, wastewater infrastructure and potential contamination, significant environmental questions remain.
The Government has decided that a full Environmental Impact Assessment is unnecessary.
We disagree. We believe the potential environmental consequences deserve proper investigation and scrutiny.
Our communities
One Site. Many Communities.
The implications of the MOD Bicester Site A proposal could extend beyond the boundaries of the development itself.
Surrounding towns and villages have legitimate questions about transport, public services, infrastructure, construction activity and the future of their communities.
Our area is also home to important employers, successful businesses and a growing local economy.
We believe the Government must properly consider the needs and concerns of surrounding communities before proceeding.
The planning concerns
Big Decisions Demand Proper Scrutiny.
The Government is pursuing the development through the Urgent Crown Development planning process.
We have raised serious concerns about the adequacy of the supporting evidence, outstanding environmental investigations and the decision-making process.
These concerns have led to a High Court legal challenge concerning the Government’s decision not to require a full Environmental Impact Assessment.
A development of this scale deserves transparent decisions, proper evidence and appropriate scrutiny.
We’re Not Opposed to Providing Accommodation
We’re Opposed to the Wrong Plan on the Wrong Site.
Our campaign is not directed against people seeking asylum.
We believe accommodation should be appropriate, environmentally responsible, properly assessed and represent value for taxpayers.
The Government must demonstrate that MOD Bicester Site A meets those standards.
Our message is simple: Prove it before you proceed.
Help Us Challenge the Proposal.
Wrong Plan Wrong Site is a community-led campaign working to ensure that decisions affecting our countryside, communities and public finances receive proper scrutiny.
We need your support to continue this work.