Epping Forest District Council has been denied permission to appeal to the Supreme Court over the ongoing row about housing asylum seekers at the Bell Hotel in Epping.
The council confirmed the decision in a statement, saying:
“No reasons were given. It is now open for the council to ask the Supreme Court itself for permission to appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal. The council has consistently opposed the use of The Bell Hotel to place asylum-seekers, which is in breach of planning control and is against the interests of those living in, working in and using the area.”
Court battle background
The dispute began after the Home Office placed asylum seekers in the Bell Hotel, run by Somani Hotels Limited, without planning consent.
- In August, the council secured a High Court interim injunction, which required occupants to leave by 12 September.
- However, the Court of Appeal overturned the injunction last month, siding with the Home Office and hotel owners.
- Judges ruled that the government could continue to use the site while legal challenges continued.
Protests and community tension
The case has sparked repeated protests outside the hotel since 13 July, following the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl by an asylum seeker housed there. The accused man’s trial began last week and is expected to conclude shortly.
Next steps
The council can now directly petition the Supreme Court for permission to appeal, though success is not guaranteed.
The Home Office has argued that using hotels such as the Bell is necessary while longer-term asylum accommodation is arranged.
