An ex-military base in Bicester, Oxfordshire, is being considered as a potential accommodation site for up to 1,250 single adult male asylum seekers, according to Home Office documents obtained recently. The facility, known as MoD Bicester, would house men aged between 18 and 65 who have applied for asylum in the United Kingdom.

The proposed use of the site, located near the villages of Piddington and Upper Arncott, has raised concerns among local residents and community leaders. Although the asylum seekers would not be detained on the premises, they would be required to adhere to a sign-in and sign-out system when leaving the site. The plan indicates that the accommodation arrangement would last for a minimum of 10 years, should it receive approval.

Tim McNally, chairman of Piddington Council, expressed apprehension about the impact of hosting a large, exclusively male population in close proximity to local families. He stated that the women and children in his community would need to adjust their daily routines to coexist with the residents of the proposed site.

The Home Office has not commented publicly on the plan at this stage. The proposal forms part of broader government efforts to manage housing for asylum seekers amid rising numbers and pressures on existing facilities. Local authorities and community representatives are expected to be consulted as the plan progresses through the approval process.