Epping hotel case could set precedent, court told
The Court of Appeal has been told that an injunction preventing asylum seekers from being housed at The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex could set a precedent for similar legal action across the country.
The Home Office and hotel owner Somani Hotels are appealing a High Court ruling that ordered the removal of 138 asylum seekers from the site by 16:00 BST on 12 September, following a case brought by Epping Forest District Council.
Planning Dispute at the Centre
In August, Mr Justice Eyre agreed with the council that the use of the hotel for asylum seeker accommodation breached planning laws, granting an injunction to stop its continued use.
Lawyers for the Home Office argued on Thursday that the decision could undermine the government’s ability to provide housing for asylum seekers, given ongoing shortages.
Piers Riley-Smith, representing Somani Hotels, said the injunction created the “risk of a precedent being set”, warning that there was no plan for where asylum seekers would go if the ruling was upheld. He argued that the hardship they might face had been overlooked.
Legal Challenge
Edward Brown KC, for the Home Office, told the court that Justice Eyre had erred by refusing to allow the Home Secretary to formally participate in the original case. He said the judgment failed to properly address planning considerations and accused the council of failing to flag these issues sooner.
He also warned that the ruling could encourage future protests and disorder around other asylum seeker accommodation sites.
Council’s Position
For the council, Philip Coppel KC countered that there was “no valid reason” to permit the appeal. He maintained that the injunction was lawful and proportionate, citing planning legislation.
The case comes amid mounting tensions in Epping, where the hotel has been the focus of repeated protests and counter-protests. The site drew national attention after a migrant staying there was arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl.
Wider Implications
Other local councils are now considering whether to pursue similar injunctions against hotels being used for asylum housing.
The appeal hearing, which began Thursday, is expected to conclude later in the day, with the ruling likely to have significant implications for the government’s asylum accommodation strategy.
