Council Defeated in High Court But Vows to Fight On
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood faces mounting pressure over asylum accommodation as Epping Forest District Council defiantly continues its legal battle to shut down the controversial Bell Hotel. Despite suffering a significant High Court defeat just two weeks ago, councillors have unanimously agreed to pursue a further challenge in the Court of Appeal.
The decision follows months of intense anti-immigration protests at the Essex establishment, which were triggered by disturbing criminal incidents involving one of its residents. Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, 41, was convicted and imprisoned for multiple counts of sexual assault, including attacks on a 14-year-old girl and a woman.
Legal Battle With National Implications
The council's persistence means this landmark case, which could establish precedents affecting migrant hotels across Britain, will likely continue for several more months. An EFDC spokesman confirmed: '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 council initiated legal action earlier this year against the hotel's owner, Somani Hotels, arguing that housing asylum seekers at the Bell violated planning regulations. Council lawyers maintained that accommodating migrants constituted a 'material change of use' and had directly led to 'increasingly regular protests' disrupting the local community.
Home Office Intervention and Judicial Setbacks
The case took a dramatic turn when Ms Mahmood's Home Office intervened, telling the court the council's bid was 'misconceived'. On November 11, Mr Justice Mould dismissed the council's claim, ruling it was 'not a case in which it is just and convenient for this court to grant an injunction'.
This represents the second legal setback for EFDC, which initially secured an interim injunction to close the Bell in August, only to see that ruling overturned on appeal. The latest strategy involves applying to Mr Justice Mould for permission to approach the Court of Appeal, with the option to petition the Court of Appeal directly if refused.
Political Fallout and Local Anger
The Conservatives have condemned the situation as a 'slap in the face to the people of Epping'. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp launched a scathing attack: 'A Labour Government has once again put the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British citizens. The people of Epping have been silenced in their own town.'
The Kebatu case has become emblematic of wider concerns about Britain's immigration and justice systems. After being convicted in September of sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, Kebatu received a one-year prison sentence but was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford after serving just one month.
Following a major manhunt and re-arrest, Kebatu threatened legal action against his removal and considered lodging a new asylum claim. He was ultimately deported after accepting a 'discretionary' £500 payment from the Home Office to depart without further challenge.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has committed to emptying asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament in 2029. The government plans to reduce hotel reliance by opening accommodation in military bases, with two new centres already announced in Crowborough, East Sussex, and Inverness, and at least six additional sites under consideration.
