MP rejects claims council was kept in the dark over asylum seeker plans
02/07/2026
“It is unfortunate that both Calum Miller and Councillor McLean have opted for cheap headlines on this”
Banbury’s MP has rejected claims that Cherwell District Council was not consulted over Government proposals to use a former Ministry of Defence site near Bicester to house around 1,200 asylum seekers.
Sean Woodcock’s comments follow criticism from Cherwell District Council leader Councillor Lesley McLean and Bicester and Woodstock MP Calum Miller who said the council had not been properly informed about the plans for the site between Piddington and Upper Arncott.
On June 26 the council issued a statement saying no engagement or consultation had taken place with them before they were told the Home Office intended to explore use of the currently redundant MOD site A at the Bicester Garrison.
Mr Woodcock said: “It is unfortunate that both Calum Miller and Councillor McLean have opted for cheap headlines on this suggesting that Cherwell District Council has been caught unawares on this when the precise opposite is true.”
He said Cherwell District Council had been included in the Home Office’s engagement plans, with senior council officers involved before the announcement was made.
Mr Woodcock added: “The Home Office have made clear to Cherwell this is the beginning of the formal engagement process with local stakeholders as they explore potential use of the site. No final decisions have been made.”
He also said efforts had been made to engage elected representatives and that discussions were continuing with Cherwell District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Valley Police and other local partners.
The Banbury MP revealed Home Office officials met Councillor McLean on June 30 and described the meeting as “constructive and positively received”.
According to Mr Woodcock, Councillor McLean “welcomed the opportunity for open engagement and valued the clarification of high-level information provided” and “indicated she is keen to engage constructively with Home Office officials going forwards.”
The Home Office is considering the former MOD site as part of plans to reduce the use of hotels for asylum accommodation
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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