A planning application to build an 800 person asylum detention centre on the outskirts of Bicester is to be heard next month.

The proposal, at former MOD land between Piddington and Arncott in north Oxfordshire, is said to be the biggest centre in Europe.

An application by the UK Border Agency was due to be decided on March 12 by Cherwell district councillors, but information from several organisations had not been received.

These included Oxfordshire fire and rescue service, which said they would need extra funding to expand Bicester fire station, the John Radcliffe Hospital and Natural England.

An objection by the Environment Agency on flooding grounds is expected to be withdrawn before the next planning meeting on April 2.

One hundred and eighteen letters objecting to the centre have been given to the council from supporters of the Coalition Against Bullingdon Immigration Removal Centre.