Braintree Council could consider fresh legal action as the government looks to extend the use of Wethersfield Airfield as an asylum centre.
Council leader councillor Tom Cunningham said the authority would take advice on the legal basis of any Home Office decision to keep the site open beyond next April.
The Home Office intends to extend the use of Wethersfield through the Urgent Crown Development (UCD) process.
Mr Cunningham described the development as "incredibly disappointing" and said the council remained determined to see the centre closed.
He said: "This planning route will be the third time the government has attempted to bypass the council's planning powers.
"Make no mistake, we want this site closed as soon as possible and we will be taking advice on the legal basis for any decision taken by the Home Office to extend the use of the site through the UCD process.
"Whilst the site remains operational, we will continue to hold the Home Office to account and champion the interests of our communities."
Read more
Government seeks to extend asylum accommodation at Wethersfield beyond 2027
Police granted extra powers as Wethersfield asylum protest planned
Previous legal challenges
The council pursued a series of legal challenges against the Home Office's use of Wethersfield Airfield for asylum accommodation between March 2023 and May 2024.
The authority says its opposition remains "steadfast" and it has repeatedly raised concerns about the suitability of the location and the impact on surrounding communities.
The first asylum seekers moved to Wethersfield in July 2023.
Since then, the council says transport to Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester, community safety and wider operational impacts have been among more than 1,400 points of discussion.
The council also maintains weekly contact with the Home Office.
Mr Cunningham said: "We're as frustrated as anyone else about the situation.
"We have not stopped opposing the site and will continue to do so whilst holding the Home Office to its commitment to make the site as self-sustaining as possible."
The council also set up and co-chairs a multi-agency forum involving the Home Office, Essex County Council, Essex Police and health bodies.
It says the forum allows concerns about the centre and surrounding communities to be raised directly with those responsible for its operation.
Share