Temple premises sold to Muslims in an auction in Britain

Hindus file petition in the High Court

London (UK) – A dispute has arisen over the sale of the ‘New England Complex’ in Peterborough, located 120 km from London, which has housed a temple and a community centre for the past 40 years. Following an auction, Peterborough City Council decided to sell the property to the ‘United Kingdom Islamic Mission’.

UK Temple Sold, Hindus Left Unheard?

A temple property in the UK was auctioned by Peterborough City Council and sold to a Muslim organisation.

Whether in Muslim-majority or Christian-majority countries, Hindu minorities often raise concerns about discrimination.

Yet no… pic.twitter.com/q9gIvtZPdE

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) July 14, 2026

The premises include the temple of the Bharat Hindu Samaj, which serves as the principal place of worship for thousands of Hindus in the city and surrounding areas. Angered by the decision, Bharat Hindu Samaj filed a petition in the High Court challenging the sale process. The organisation has alleged that Peterborough City Council ignored the temple’s 40-year religious and community role. It also claimed that there were serious flaws in the valuation process carried out before the auction. In February 2026, the High Court granted an interim stay, preventing Peterborough City Council from proceeding with the sale of the property.

Whether the sale process complied with the law will be examined

The judicial review is now examining whether the decision-making process complied with the law. The temple management has clarified that its objection is not to the United Kingdom Islamic Mission, but to the decision of Peterborough City Council and the procedure it followed.

Due to the growing financial crisis and reductions in Government funding, many local councils in Britain are now selling community buildings, sports centres and other public properties to bridge their budget deficits.

If the temple shuts, Hindus will have to travel 64 km!

According to Bharat Hindu Samaj, the temple is the principal religious centre for around 4,500 Hindus in the area. If it closes, devotees will have to travel to Cambridge (56 km away) or Leicester (64 km away) to offer prayers.