A High Court judge has ruled that a hotel in Epping, which became the centre of significant local protests, can continue to be used to house asylum seekers.
Council's Legal Challenge Dismissed
Epping Forest District Council failed in its bid to secure a permanent injunction against the owner of The Bell Hotel, Somani Hotels. The council had argued that using the hotel to accommodate asylum seekers constituted a material change of use and breached planning regulations. They also highlighted that the situation had sparked increasingly regular protests at the site.
The Home Office intervened in the case, labelling the council's attempt to block the housing as misconceived.
A Timeline of Legal Proceedings
The legal dispute has a complex history. Earlier this year, the council was granted a temporary injunction that would have prevented 138 asylum seekers from staying at the hotel beyond September 12.
However, this decision was later overturned by the Court of Appeal in August, which found the initial ruling to be seriously flawed in principle. Following this setback, the council sought a permanent injunction during a three-day hearing last month.
Final Ruling from the High Court
Presiding over the case, Mr Justice Mould delivered the final judgment on Tuesday. He dismissed the council's claim, stating that it was not a case in which it is just and convenient for this court to grant an injunction.
This ruling effectively gives the green light for The Bell Hotel to continue its current operation, providing accommodation for asylum seekers amidst ongoing public debate and previous protest action.
