The government plans to house 750 asylum seekers at the MOD site between Arncott and Piddington while their applications for asylum are being processed.

The first meeting in December attracted up to 100 protesters from the Bicester Action Group (BAG), formed from local rural communities who oppose the accommodation centre.

Refugee support groups, Asylum Welcome and the Bicester Refugee Support Group are also opposing the plans, as they say housing Asylum Seekers on military land, within earshot of firing ranges, is inhumane.

Key reform

The Bicester inquiry is the first into government proposals for large asylum seeker complexes.

The centre is a key element in the government's reform of the asylum process and whatever conclusion the planning inspector reaches, the secretary of state has the final say.

On 26 February, the inquiry's planning inspector is due to hear evidence against the centre from BAG, the Bicester Refugee Support group, Asylum Welcome and Banbury's MP Tony Baldry.

The inquiry, at the MOD Garrison Theatre in Bicester, which began in mid-December and is spread over a two-month period, is expected to last another two weeks.