The Government has announced its proposal to temporarily house up to 1,250 single adult males at an alternative accommodation centre at Site A of the former Bicester Garrison site.
Cherwell District Council was not consulted on these plans and was only notified of them hours before they became public knowledge.
The council is not responsible for any part of Site A, which is owned by the Ministry of Defence, or the Home Office proposals.
The council’s role is to provide residents with information about what is happening, ask the Home Office for up-to-date information, and demand that community voices are heard.
We recognise that this is an important issue for local communities and that residents may have questions or concerns.
We have made it clear to government that significant questions remain about site security, community safety, local infrastructure, public services and community impacts, and that these issues need to be fully addressed.
We will continue pressing the government for further details. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Timeline of key events
25 June 2026: The Home Office announced its plans to use Site A at the former Bicester Garrison site, located between Piddington and Upper Arncott, to accommodate people seeking asylum as an alternative to the use of hotel accommodation.
Cherwell District Council was not consulted on these proposals in advance and only became aware of them shortly before they were made public.
On 30 June 2026: Cllr Lesley McLean, Leader of the Cherwell District Council, wrote to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood MP, asking several questions about the proposal, including seeking information about site operation, security, community safety, and policing. The Council made it clear that local residents would be concerned about this proposal.
At this stage, the Council had very limited information, and much of what is currently known is based on publicly available reporting.
1 July 2026: Cherwell District Council writes to over 3,000 addresses in the vicinity of the site to inform them of the proposal and ensure they are aware of how to contact the Home Office directly to ask any questions. The Council set up an email address to give concerned residents a dedicated place to share their views with the council.
24 July 2026: The Home Office confirms with Cherwell District Council’s Local Planning Authority that it will pursue planning consent via the Urgent Crown Development Process.
29 July 2026: The Leader of the Council writes to the Home Secretary again, to ask for a response to the first letter and to raise more detailed questions about community infrastructure, community safety and Community benefits.
Further information
The Home Office has a dedicated webpage:
MoD Bicester (site A), Oxfordshire: factsheet
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is being proposed?
The Home Office is proposing to repurpose part of the former Bicester Garrison site to accommodate people seeking asylum.
Based on information currently in the public domain, this could involve the use of a disused warehouse to provide accommodation as an alternative to hotel use.
How many people could be accommodated?
Initial reports suggest that the site could provide up to approximately 1,250 bedspaces. It is understood that, if the site progresses, it may open in phases, with a smaller number of people accommodated initially.
When could the site open?
At this stage, it is suggested that the site could open in late 2026 or early 2027. However, this has not yet been confirmed and may be subject to change.
Was the Council consulted?
No. Cherwell District Council was not consulted on these proposals and only became aware of them shortly before they were publicly announced.
We have raised our concerns about the lack of prior engagement directly with the Home Office.
What information does the Council currently have?
At present, the Council does not have detailed operational information about how the site would be run. The information available to us is largely limited to what has already been reported publicly.
We have formally requested further details from the Home Office and are seeking urgent engagement with them.
What is the Council doing about the proposals?
The Leader of the Council has written to the Home Secretary to:
- Express concern about the lack of consultation
- Request urgent further information
- Seek clarity on the potential impacts on local communities
The Council is also actively requesting direct engagement with the Home Office so that we can represent residents’ interests and keep communities informed.
What about the impact on local communities and services?
We recognise that residents may have concerns about the potential impact on local services, infrastructure and community safety.
These are key issues that the Council has raised with the Home Office. We have emphasised the importance of ensuring that local communities are supported and that clear communication is provided.
Given the rural nature of the area, we have also highlighted the need to understand how appropriate services and infrastructure would be provided without placing additional pressure on nearby villages.
Will there be more information available?
Yes. We will update this page as soon as further information is received from the Home Office.
We are pressing for timely and clear communication so that residents can stay informed.
How can I share my views?
Residents can contact the Council to share views or raise concerns:
Email: bicester.garrison@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
We will ensure that feedback is shared with the Home Office.
Residents may also wish to contact the Home Office directly (details will be added here once available).
Keeping You Updated
We are committed to being open and transparent with residents. As more information becomes available, we will share updates on this page and through our usual communication channels.
Thank you for your patience while we seek further clarity on these proposals.