Asylum seekers will remain housed at the Bell Hotel in Essex despite a legal battle between the local council and the Government. Epping Forest District Council’s attempt to stop migrants from living there through a High Court injunction was rejected by Mr. Justice Mould, who deemed it inappropriate to grant an injunction in this case.
Although Keir Starmer has promised to close all asylum hotels by 2029, an immediate ban on asylum seekers residing in the Epping hotel was seen as potentially disruptive to the system. The Home Office was concerned about facing legal challenges from other councils if such actions were taken.
The hotel gained attention due to anti-immigration demonstrations following a case where an asylum seeker, Hadush Kebatu, housed there was charged with assaulting a minor. The council took legal action against the hotel owner, Somani Hotels, arguing that accommodating asylum seekers violated planning regulations.
The Home Office intervened, criticizing the council’s approach as misguided. Despite a temporary injunction granted by the High Court initially, it was overturned by the Court of Appeal due to fundamental flaws in the decision-making process.
In a recent three-day hearing, the council sought a permanent injunction, but Mr. Justice Mould concluded that while the hotel’s use for asylum seekers might require planning permission, the breach was not severe enough to warrant an injunction.
After the ruling, a spokesperson for the Home Office expressed determination to close asylum hotels and relocate asylum seekers to more suitable accommodations like military bases. The Home Office views this judgment as facilitating the ongoing efforts to achieve this transition smoothly and efficiently.
