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The Epping Forest District Council has faced another setback in its legal battle to prevent an Epping hotel from housing asylum seekers. The council’s attempt to appeal to the Supreme Court has been denied by the Court of Appeal, following a temporary injunction secured by the council from the High Court. The injunction would have required migrants to vacate The Bell Hotel in Epping by September 12th, but was overturned by the Court of Appeal judges last week.
Despite the ruling against the council, they have the option to make a direct request to the Supreme Court. Conservative council leader Chris Whitbread has called for demonstrators to reconsider their protests outside the hotel, stating that the town is “under great strain” after months of unrest. The council had contended in the High Court that the hotel’s owner, Somani Hotels, had violated planning regulations by not informing the local authority of its intentions for The Bell.
A full hearing in the High Court to discuss a permanent injunction is set for October, while the council is contemplating seeking direct permission from the Supreme Court to challenge the denial of the temporary injunction. The council has expressed its disagreement with the Court of Appeal’s decision and intends to pursue a final injunction. Currently, there are 138 asylum seekers residing at The Bell, and numerous individuals have been arrested in connection with disturbances near the hotel, with several facing charges.
As children returned to school for the start of the new term, Mr. Whitbread urged protesters to exercise restraint and consider the impact on the local community. He acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but cautioned against further disruptions following recent incidents involving Essex Police. The protests were sparked by the arrest of a resident of The Bell on various charges, including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. The defendant, Hadush Kebatu, maintains his innocence as the trial proceeds
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