Epping Forest District Council has been blocked from taking its fight over asylum seeker housing at the Bell Hotel to the Supreme Court.
Appeal Bid Denied
The council revealed it was refused permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s ruling that allowed the Home Office to keep placing asylum seekers at the Bell Hotel in Epping.
“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.”
Legal Wrangle Over Asylum Housing
- The dispute kicked off when the Home Office began housing asylum seekers at the Bell Hotel, owned by Somani Hotels Limited, without planning permission.
- In August, Epping Forest District Council won a High Court injunction ordering occupants to leave by 12 September.
- But last month, the Court of Appeal overturned that ruling, siding with the Home Office and hotel owners.
- The judges said the government could continue using the hotel during ongoing legal battles.
Community on Edge After Protest and Scandal
Since 13 July, protests have erupted outside the Bell Hotel. The unrest followed claims that a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by an asylum seeker living there.
The accused went on trial last week, with proceedings expected to end soon, fueling tensions in the local community.
What’s Next?
The council can still try to petition the Supreme Court directly for an appeal, but there’s no guarantee it will be granted.
The Home Office continues to insist that using hotels like the Bell is a necessary short-term fix while permanent asylum housing is organised.
