Council granted interim injunction to stop asylum accommodation
Epping Forest District Council has been granted an interim injunction to restrain the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping for the housing of asylum seekers.
At the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Mr Justice Eyre granted the application of the council against Bell Hotel owners Somani Hotels Limited.
The interim injunction orders that by 4pm on 12 September 2025, and until there is final judgement of the council’s claim, that Somani must not use, or permit the use of the hotel for accommodating asylum seekers unless planning permission is granted for this purpose. The injunction also contains a declaration that the use of the Bell Hotel for asylum seekers is not a permitted use of the hotel for planning purposes.
Great news for our residents
I am delighted. This is great news for our residents. The last few weeks have placed an intolerable strain on our community but today we have some great news. Thank you to Mr Justice Eyre. For the first time in weeks we can see a chink of light at the end of the tunnel.
I also want to say a massive thank you to our planning and legal teams who have worked day and night in preparation for our day in court. They have done our council proud.
This is not the end of the matter. Having obtained an interim provision the next stage is for the council to return to the court and seek a permanent injunction.
Home Office policy ignores the issues and concerns of local residents that the council represents. Today we have made a step towards redressing the imbalance and showing that local people do have some say, whatever the Home Office thinks.
Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council
Previous statements
- News story 12 August – Council applies for injunction against Bell Hotel owners
- News story 30 July – Open joint letter to the Home Secretary
- News story 22 July – Leader speaks out about demonstrations in Epping
- News story 18 July – Statement from leader regarding the demonstration in Epping
- News story 11 July – Council takes Home Office to task as leader calls for calm (including link to petition)
- News story 9 July – Statement from council leader following incident in Epping
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