Epping secures injunction halting use of hotel for asylum seekers

The High Court has granted Epping Forest District Council an interim injunction blocking asylum seekers from being accommodated in a hotel that has been at the centre of a series of protests.

Details: 19.Aug.2025

Mr Justice Eyre granted the application of the council against Bell Hotel owners Somani Hotels Limited on Tuesday (19 August).

The injunction orders that by 4 pm on 12 September 2025, and until there is a final judgment of the council's claim, the owners must not use, or permit the use of the hotel for accommodating asylum seekers unless planning permission is granted for this purpose.

It also contains a declaration that the use of the hotel for asylum seekers is not a permitted use of the building for planning purposes.

According to a report from the BBC, the injunction was granted despite a last-minute application by the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to intervene.

The council lodged its application for an interim injunction earlier this month (12 August), arguing that continued use of the hotel to accommodate asylum seekers could risk worsening community tensions.

Protestors had previously gathered in the town in July following the arrest and charging of an asylum seeker for the sexual assault of a girl and the arrest of another individual for arson.

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The council passed a motion in the wake of the demonstrations, urging the Home Office to stop using "unsuitable" hotels in small towns and rural areas to house asylum seekers.

Commenting on the High Court's decision, Cllr Chris Whitbread, leader of Epping Forest District Council, said: "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."

Adam Carey

See also: What the Epping Forest injunction case means for local authorities across England - Jack Barber looks at the lessons from Epping Forest District Council’s successful application for an interim injunction against the accommodation of asylum seekers in a local hotel.