Piddington village votes to leave UK over asylum housing plan

Residents of Piddington voted on Thursday on two proposals to house up to 1,256 male asylum seekers in a nearby facility. The proposals were presented by the local council in partnership with the Home Office, citing a need to accommodate a growing number of asylum seekers arriving through the UK’s resettlement program. The vote was held at the town hall, with polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a turnout of roughly 48 % of the electorate.

The first proposal would establish a temporary accommodation centre on the site of the former Piddington Training School, while the second would convert an existing community sports complex into a secure housing block. Supporters argue the move would help the national government meet its asylum quota and provide a safe, supervised environment for the new arrivals. Opponents raise concerns about the impact on local infrastructure, security, and the capacity of the town’s services to manage the influx. Both proposals were subject to a public consultation period that ran from early March to the week before the vote.

The council announced that the proposals were rejected by a narrow margin, with 52 % voting against and 48 % in favour. The Home Office said it would review the outcome and explore alternative sites, while the council pledged to keep residents informed of any future options. The decision underscores the ongoing debate over how best to balance national resettlement commitments with local community interests.