Home Office wins Bicester asylum centre case
The Home Office has won its appeal court case over the siting of an asylum seeker accommodation centre in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
The centre, set to be built on former MoD land, would house around 750 asylum seekers while they wait for their claims to be processed. The Government believes that housing claimants together will enable them to keep in close touch with individuals and reduce the chance of them absconding, as well as being able to process claims more quickly.
Local people and councillors had taken their objections to the plans to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the Government had not followed correct consultative procedures. They believe the plans have been “bulldozed” through, and argue that the centre would have a detrimental effect upon the nature and environment of its small rural community.
However, the judges sided with the Government, backing an early decision by the High Court.
Opponents are now considering whether or not to take the case to the House of Lords.
Home Office Minister, Des Browne, said he welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold planning permission.
Speaking on Thursday morning, he said: “We have been committed throughout to a fair and open debate on our proposals which is why we have gone through a full planning inquiry.
“I recognise that there has been concern amongst some local people but I do not accept that an accommodation centre will be a detriment to the community. We want to continue talking to the local community and keep them informed of our plans. I hope that in due course local people will want to become involved in the operation of the centre and have a positive relationship with its staff and occupants.”
