High Court issues temporary injunction blocking sale by council of property where Hindu temple is based: report

The BBC said court documents it had seen showed the proposed buyer of the New England Complex is an Islamic mosque group, although the council has not confirmed this.

The BBC added that after a secret bidding process, the Bharat Hindu Samaj were told their bid had lost.

The proposed sale was subject to call in and scrutiny. After a revised report was produced with additional information, Peterborough’s Cabinet was recommended at a meeting last month to authorise the sale of its freehold interest to the preferred bidder, subject to appropriate transitional provisions for existing tenants, and compliance with statutory duties and legal advice.

The Bharat Hindu Samaj applied for a temporary injunction against the sale, which was granted by Mr Justice Fordham.

A temple spokesperson told the BBC that they had "no choice" but to apply for the injunction.

"Our fight isn't with the mosque; our fight is with the council," they added.

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council told Local Government Lawyer: "We are aware of the legal action being pursued in relation to the sale of the New England Complex and will now engage in the legal process. 

“Separately, council officers continue to liaise with all affected parties in this matter.”