Council responds to plans to change use of Diss hotel
The Home Office wants to use the hotel to house single adult asylum seekers
Last updated 7th Aug 2025
The Home Office has written to South Norfolk Council about plans to remove families from the Park Hotel in Diss, and replace them with single adult asylum seekers.
The Council said it has already made clear that it will not accept the change of use, and said the owner has also stated that he would close the hotel if the proposals go ahead.
Today (7 August), the Council has agreed to issue a planning enforcement notice that will require the hotel owner to submit a planning application to regularise the change of use of the building from an hotel to asylum accommodation.
The Council said it will serve a Temporary Stop Notice on the hotel owner if the Home Office continues with its plans to replace the families.
Leader of South Norfolk Council, Daniel Elmer said:
"We have been clear from the start that we will not accept a change from accommodating families to single asylum seekers. Two years ago the Home Office informed us that the Park Hotel would be used to house families and we believe that Home Office should stick to that position.
"We are continuing to work closely with the police and our partners and If the Home office continues with its plan then we will use all options open to us, including planning powers to support both the families living in the hotel and the local community."