Council to press ahead with “planning and legal steps” over asylum accommodation hotels despite Court of Appeal ruling in Epping Forest case

The Court of Appeal set aside the interim injunction after concluding that Mr Justice Eyre had made a "number of errors of principle" that undermined his decision. The final trial will now take place in October.

In a statement, Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We note the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the High Court’s interim injunction granted to Epping Forest District Council and await the outcome of the full injunction hearing in October.

“[This] judgement doesn’t change our course of action to take planning and legal steps which is already underway. The council is collating evidence for a robust case against the use of these hotels in our area for asylum accommodation.

“It also doesn’t change our view that the use and locations of the three hotels had never been suitable for asylum accommodation and place unreasonable and unsustainable strain on local services. We have re-emphasised these points strongly in discussion with the Home Office this week."

He added: “We will continue to do everything we can within our powers to address our residents’ concerns over these hotels and keep them safe.”

According to a report in The Times, at least 13 councils will continue with plans for legal action, despite the Court of Appeal’s ruling.