The chair of Piddington Parish Council said the UK government should expect a legal challenge after Housing Secretary Angela Rayner granted planning permission for an asylum centre at the former MoD Bicester site near the Oxfordshire village^1,2,3.

Rayner approved an Urgent Crown Development application used by the Home Office for projects described as urgently needed and of national importance^1,3. Permission covers demolition of existing buildings, new modular housing and health and welfare facilities, and would allow housing for up to 1,256 men^1,3.

Parish council chair Tim McNally told BBC Radio 4's Today programme ministers should "absolutely" be ready for a challenge^1,2. Opponents have six weeks to apply to the High Court^1,3. The government said a case may be brought only if the decision is legally flawed, not to reopen the planning merits³.

Piddington, a village of about 350 people, held a symbolic vote in September to leave the United Kingdom over the proposal^1,2. A government report recorded 3,177 representations against and one in support, and said Rayner granted permission because national demand for asylum accommodation remains high^1,3.

The Home Office said the approval lets it keep developing the plan but that no final site decision had been taken^1,3. Defence minister Luke Pollard said the government would keep engaging with the community and that further stages remain^1,2.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said emergency powers had been misused³. Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller said the proposal was the wrong plan and the wrong site³. McNally said the village may apply the Hillsborough Law's duty of candour once it is in force^1,2. Whether a High Court claim is filed, and whether ministers take a final site decision, is not yet known^2,3.