Epping Forest District Council has vowed to continue its legal battle to stop the Bell Hotel from being used to house asylum seekers, following a decisive vote by councillors.
Council Votes for Continued Legal Challenge
During an extraordinary meeting held on Wednesday, councillors voted to proceed with an appeal against the High Court ruling that dismissed their case. The meeting was conducted in private to allow for a full discussion of the council's legal position.
A council statement confirmed the move, stating: "Having heard all the arguments, Epping Forest District Council has voted to proceed to the next stage of the appeals process following a full council debate." The authority emphasised its commitment to "the closure of the Bell Hotel" and stated it would continue to seek legal advice throughout the appeals process.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The conflict centres on the council's claim that housing asylum seekers at the Bell Hotel constitutes a breach of planning rules. The local authority initially secured a temporary injunction earlier this year, which would have prevented 138 asylum seekers from being housed at the hotel beyond September 12. This injunction was primarily sought following protests outside the establishment.
However, this temporary measure was overturned by the Court of Appeal in August, with judges finding the decision to be "seriously flawed in principle". The council subsequently sought a permanent injunction through a three-day hearing, but this was rejected by Mr Justice Mould in the High Court. In his judgment, the justice stated it was "not a case in which it is just and convenient for this court to grant an injunction".
Protests and Criminal Case
The Bell Hotel became the focal point of significant local unrest over the summer. The protests intensified in July after an asylum seeker housed at the hotel, Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Epping.
Kebatu was sentenced to 12 months in prison in September. In a controversial turn of events, he was mistakenly released from jail and has since been deported from the UK.
Next Steps and Alternative Actions
To proceed with its appeal, the council must first be granted permission to appeal before it can continue with the legal challenge against the hotel's owner, Somani Hotels.
Meanwhile, Epping Forest District Council is exploring other planning enforcement options it could take against Somani Hotels regarding any alleged breach of planning rules at the Bell Hotel, indicating a multi-pronged approach to resolving the contentious issue.
