Council urges government to ensure residents’ views are heard on proposed Bicester temporary accommodation site plans.
Published: Wednesday, 29th July 2026
Cherwell District Council has called on the Government to ensure local residents are given a genuine opportunity to make their views known and have those views properly considered as part of the planning process for the proposed temporary accommodation site for up to 1,250 asylum seekers in Bicester.
The Leader of the Council, Cllr Lesley McLean, has written again to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood MP, and will also write to the Prime Minister seeking urgent answers about the proposal and calling for meaningful engagement with local communities.
This follows ongoing concerns raised by local residents about site security, the potential impact on local infrastructure and public services, and the government’s plan to sidestep normal planning processes.
The council is seeking clarification regarding the Government's decision to pursue the proposal through the Urgent Crown Development application route, which could restrict the timeframe the Local Planning Authority has to respond to the planning application, and could remove some of the normal planning requirements for public consultation and engagement.
Following questions to the Leader at Full Council on Monday 20 July 2026, the council has outlined a range of practical measures raised through discussions with local communities. These include the need for increased security of the site and policing, the potential impact on local infrastructure and public services, including adequate healthcare provision and transport arrangements, and appropriate funding and support to help the council manage local impacts and promote community cohesion.
Cllr Lesley McLean, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said:
"Communities affected by proposals of this scale must be given the opportunity to have their voices heard.
“Residents deserve transparency, clear information and meaningful engagement throughout this process.
“We are seeking assurances from Government that local people will be able to make their views known and that those views will be properly considered before decisions are taken.
“We will continue to stand alongside our residents in calling for openness, accountability and community involvement."
The council will continue to press Government for urgent answers to a number of key questions and will keep residents informed as further information becomes available.
30 June 2026 letter to Home Secretary and 29 July 2026 letter to Home Secretary