Reform UK Southampton has lodged a formal complaint with Southampton City Council’s Planning Enforcement Team, raising concerns over the ongoing use of Highfield House Hotel in Portswood as accommodation for asylum seekers.
The complaint follows an investigation by the party’s local branch into the Council’s public planning records, which revealed a history of planning applications dating from 2015 to 2025. These included approvals for hotel extensions and tree works, but no evidence of any application authorising the current long-term residential use of the premises.
Reform UK Southampton argues this represents a material change of use, from a traditional hotel (class C1) to hostel-style accommodation — without the necessary planning permission. The group has called on the Labour run Southampton Council to clarify whether enforcement action or a retrospective planning application will be required.
This development comes shortly after a High Court injunction in Epping stopped a local hotel from being used as asylum accommodation amid similar planning concerns and community tensions. Reform UK Southampton says Southampton City Council should take similarly decisive action to protect local residents.
Dr Alexander Culley, spokesperson for Reform UK Southampton, said: “The people of Portswood and Southampton deserve clarity and fairness. Highfield House was approved and extended as a hotel, not as long-term asylum accommodation. Its current use appears unauthorised, has sparked community tensions and placed extra strain on local policing. The Epping decision shows councils can act decisively, and Southampton must do the same.”
Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, Satvir Kaur, has voiced her support for the use of Highfield House Hotel to house asylum seekers, emphasising the need for compassionate solutions to the ongoing asylum crisis. She highlighted the importance of providing safe accommodation and has frequently called southampton community members protesting ‘far right’ and ‘racist’.
The formal complaint details what Reform UK Southampton calls evidence of unauthorised use, the lack of planning approval, and the negative impacts on the community; including disruption to local amenity, diverted police resources, and risks to community cohesion.
Reform UK Southampton will continue to follow the Council’s response and keep local residents informed.
Thanks Alex for standing up for the folk in Southampton who were not not consulted before the Council designated Southampton as a “sanctuary city”.