The proposal was lodged by the Secretary of State for the Home Department on Wednesday, September 2.
It would see around five hectares of the wider MOD Bicester site transformed into a self-contained accommodation centre for single adult men aged between 18 and 65 who are awaiting decisions on their asylum claims, as the Government moves away from its reliance on hotels.
The site would operate for an initial 10-year period if approved.
Plans include the retention and conversion of an existing building, demolition of a number of former military structures, and the installation of modular accommodation blocks no higher than six metres.
Catering, laundry facilities, healthcare provision, welfare services, recreational areas, interview rooms, security infrastructure and open space would all be provided on site.
The Home Office said the scheme was needed because of the “urgent and continuing need” for asylum accommodation and would help reduce reliance on hotels.
In the year ending December 31, 2025, there were 82,140 asylum applications in the UK, relating to more than 100,000 individuals.
However, supporting documents submitted with the application reveal a number of infrastructure and environmental challenges that still require further investigation.
A utilities assessment states that the site’s existing electrical network is present, but its condition, capacity and configuration are unknown.
The proposed development is expected to require around 2.16 MVA of power and planners have assumed the existing network cannot be relied upon, meaning temporary or permanent generators may be needed.
High-voltage overhead power lines also cross the site, with accommodation blocks positioned away from them and parking proposed beneath the lines.
Drainage is another concern. The assessment found no public surface water sewer records on the site, while inspectors observed ponding and localised flooding even during dry conditions. Existing drainage systems were described as poorly maintained and largely non-operational, with further surveys required.
The report also said it remains unclear whether the existing sewer network and Bicester Wastewater Treatment Works have sufficient capacity to serve more than 1,200 residents. Because of that uncertainty, plans currently assume a new on-site wastewater treatment works may be required.
Transport documents acknowledge the site is “not ideal” for sustainable travel. There is currently no pedestrian infrastructure along the 60mph B4011, no nearby cycle routes and limited access to local amenities.
The Home Office proposes operating the development as a largely self-contained site, supported by shuttle buses and minibuses.
Environmental reports also highlight that approximately 25 per cent of the site is in an area with a high chance of surface water flooding, while the development lies within the Arncott Bridge Site of Special Scientific Interest impact zone and requires further ecological surveys covering species including bats, dormice, reptiles and great crested newts.
Despite the unresolved issues, the Home Office concludes there are no utility constraints considered “insurmountable” and says the brownfield site is urgently needed as part of a nationally important programme to provide asylum accommodation.