The centre, on former MoD land, would hold more than 700 people

Cherwell District Council is trying to stop a decision to build a centre to house more than 700 asylum seekers between Arncott and Piddington, near Bicester.

Opponents of the centre have said a Home Office decision on 3 February to ditch plans for a similar centre near Gosport, in Hampshire, would strengthen their case.

The judicial review, at the Royal Courts of Justice, will be heard on the 16 and 17 of March.

The proposed Bicester centre has been bitterly opposed by locals.

The site, on former Ministry of Defence (MoD) land, has been earmarked to house up to 400 single men, 50 single women and 300 family members while their asylum applications are being processed.

Campaigners against the centre argued the centre would stretch local services.