Asylum seekers are likely to hear gunshots from a nearby Army training range if an accommodation centre is built, an inquiry heard.

David Elvin, for Cherwell District Council, told the third day of the hearing into Government plans for a centre holding up to 750 people, that the Army regularly held exercises on land next to the proposed site near Bicester.

This included firing blank bullets.

He said: "Piddington training area is frequently used for necessary training and firing of blank ammunition. The Army notify Piddington Parish Council when training is to take place.

"It would be clearly audible by those in the accommodation centre." He said the Army was also planning to re-open a 30-metre rifle range, next to the site.

During the hearing the Home Office agreed the centre would pose a burden on local health and education services.

But Jon Payne, a deputy director at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office, said the majority of services would be provided on-site.

The centre would be run by a private contractor, who would be "seriously financially penalised" if it failed to provide services, he said.

Mr Payne, who was giving evidence based on the operational side of the centre, said residents would be encouraged to carry out 20 hours a week of purposeful activity, which could include voluntary work in the Bicester area.

Mr Elvin questioned whether the Home Office would be able to staff the centre, considering the low unemployment rate in the area.

Mr Payne said he expected people to travel from areas including Oxford, Aylesbury and Banbury.

The inquiry, which is being held at Bicester Garrison Theatre, resumes on December 17.