Council continues action against asylum hotels

12 December 2025

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has set up a taskforce as it continues to progress its action against the use of three hotels in the area being used for asylum accommodation.

The Council, in its role as the local planning authority, believes a breach of planning control has occurred at the hotels and is in the process of taking legal steps as it considers enforcement action.

Having issued Planning Contravention Notices to the owners of the three hotels in September, the Council has since been actively working through the complex legal process for using formal planning enforcement powers, whilst also continuing to gather evidence to ensure it has a robust case. It has now put together a taskforce of senior officers to continue to progress the work as it remains resolute in pursuing action on behalf of its residents.

“The taskforce is a significant step forward as we pursue our case against the use of hotels housing asylum seekers, which continue to place an unreasonable strain on our already overstretched public services. It is important the council has strong evidence and has considered all legal opinion to ensure its chances of success in future action against these hotels.

“We’ve seen from the case regarding The Bell Hotel in Epping and Justice Mould’s judgement, that injunctive action was not the appropriate legal instrument, and I’m pleased that my Council is following the correct planning process in order to reach the right conclusion.”

Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council