The centre, on former MoD land, would hold 750 people

On Thursday, the Appeal Court dismissed an appeal by Cherwell District Council against the proposed accommodation centre near Bicester.

The Conservative county council leader Keith Mitchell has backed local activists, saying he was "appalled".

He said services would be unable to cope with 750 extra people.

This decision runs completely against the grain of local opinion Keith Mitchell

The government welcomed the court's ruling, saying it believed the centre would bring extra jobs to the community.

But Councillor Mitchell said: "I am appalled at this decision. The county council will back Cherwell District Council all the way if it now chooses to take this to the House of Lords.

"Should this asylum centre be built it will put a strain on the services we provide.

"Education and social and health care will be particularly affected.

"This decision runs completely against the grain of local opinion."

Local concern

But Bicester Refugee Support urged residents not to let their anger towards government affect their attitude towards those who will be living at the centre.

Dr Rebecca Mitchell Farmer, spokesperson for the organisation, said: "We remain strongly opposed to the centre - but we also feel we now have to accept that it is almost certain to go ahead.

"We are now turning our thoughts towards how we can help to make the accommodation centre a positive asset both for the future residents of the Centre and of the wider community."

Bicester had welcomed newcomers in the past, said Dr Farmer, saying that Belgian refugees had been housed in the area during World War Two.

"Let's welcome the residents of the centre, show them our hospitality, despite a misguided policy, which has been imposed upon us," she said.

Council claims injustice

Opponents claimed the proposal had not gone through correct planning procedures.

Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell Council, said: "We felt we had to stand behind the local people and fight against an injustice."

After Thursday's decision, Home Office minister Des Browne said: "We have been committed throughout to a fair and open debate on our proposals, which is why we have gone through a full planning inquiry.

"I recognise that there has been concern amongst some local people but I do not accept that an accommodation centre will be a detriment to the community.