Home Office applies to house 1,256 asylum seekers at former MOD site near Bicester
Plans would see modular accommodation built at the former defence storage site off Launton Road
The Home Office has submitted plans to use a former Ministry of Defence site near Bicester as asylum accommodation for up to 1,256 people.
The application covers the former defence storage and distribution centre known as the MOD Bicester A site, off Launton Road in Oxfordshire.
It has been submitted by the Secretary of State for the Home Department under the Urgent Crown Development procedure, which is available to Government departments for developments considered to be of national importance where an urgent planning decision is needed.
The plans are for a temporary change of use of the site to provide what the Home Office describes as non-detained asylum accommodation, delivered in phases.
What's being proposed
Under the proposals, one existing building would be kept and changed in use, while other buildings and structures on the site would be demolished.
New modular accommodation would then be built.
The application also includes space for health and welfare facilities, site infrastructure, a waste water treatment plant, roads, access ways, security infrastructure, parking, staff accommodation and facilities, and open space and recreational areas.
Why the Home Office says it's needed
The Home Office said the Secretary of State has statutory powers to support asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute, including providing accommodation under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
It said it considers the Urgent Crown Development route to be the appropriate one for the application, given both the national importance of the proposal and the urgency with which a decision is required.
An application fee of £76,482 has been paid by the Home Office.
What happens next
The application is accompanied by a range of supporting documents, including a transport statement, flood risk assessment, fire safety strategy and ecological appraisal.
Two further documents, a noise technical note and an air quality technical note, are being finalised and will be submitted separately.
The Home Office acknowledged that any permission granted may be subject to conditions requiring further details to be approved later.