Council gives deadline to Home Office as it progresses planning enforcement process

17 December 2025

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has today given the Home Office a 21-day deadline to provide information about its use of three hotels as asylum accommodation before it considers next steps in the planning enforcement process and following legal advice and support.

The Council has written to the Home Office, in line with its planning enforcement protocol, seeking clarification about their use of the three hotels and requesting information about their current and future requirements.  This follows on from the Appeal Court ruling which clearly points to the need for the Home Office to provide information to ensure a robust process.  

WNC, in its role as the local planning authority, believes a breach of planning control may have occurred at the hotels and the letter is the first step in collating information before deciding whether enforcement action is required.

Having already issued Planning Contravention Notices to the owners of the three hotels in September, the Council continues to actively work 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 recently 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.

“We remain committed to pursuing our case against the use of these hotels for housing asylum seekers on behalf of our residents, who share our concerns about the unreasonable strain they are placing on our local communities.

“This letter to the Home Office is the latest step in the correct planning process and they have 21 days to respond to us with the information we require clarifying their use of these hotels. Whilst we wait their response, we will continue our work on building a robust legal case.”Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of the Council