A landowner and housing developer have failed in a High Court bid to force the Government to carry out environmental checks before an asylum seekers' accommodation centre can be built near Bicester.
David Orchard, who owns land between Buchanan Road and Murcott Road in Arncott, and housing development firm Martin Grant Homes, who have an option on the land, asked the court for a judicial review to force the Government to carry out an environmental assessment at the proposed site, between Piddington and Arncott.
Before any large development plan is approved, a study to assess any impact on the area's wildlife is often carried out. This can take up to a year.
But the claim has been rejected. A solicitor for Martin Grant Homes said the company had appealed against the ruling.
A planning inquiry into the asylum centre project opened at Bicester Garrison Theatre.
It is due to resume on December 17 and will continue in the new year.
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