Epping Council Vows to Continue Fight as Court Backs Government on Asylum Hotel


Epping, Essex, 29th August 2025 – Epping Forest District Council has suffered a significant setback in its legal challenge against the government's use of a local hotel for asylum seekers, but today vowed the, "battle is not over". The Court of Appeal has lifted a temporary injunction, ruling that the Home Office does not need to follow standard planning laws to convert the Bell Hotel into accommodation for asylum seekers.

The ruling is a victory for the Labour government, which has argued for the necessity of such measures to handle the ongoing immigration crisis. However, it has been met with dismay by local leaders and residents who argue it creates a 'two-tier' system where rules that apply to ordinary homeowners and businesses are set aside for government convenience.

The dispute centres on the principle of 'change of use' in planning law. Typically, a business-like a hotel converting into long-term residential accommodation, or a takeaway becoming a seated restaurant, would require planning permission from the local council. This process allows for community consultation and ensures developments are suitable for the area.

Epping Forest District Council had successfully argued in a lower court that using the Bell Hotel for asylum seekers constituted such a change of use, securing a temporary injunction to halt the move. Today’s Court of Appeal decision overturns that, effectively creating a carve-out for asylum accommodation from normal planning procedures.

In a strongly worded statement, Epping Forest District Council expressed its profound disappointment.

"Where we had clarity and resolution, we now have doubt and confusion", the statement read. "While Epping Forest has brought the wider asylum seeker debate into sharp national focus, the concern and motivation of Epping Forest District Council throughout has been the wellbeing of our local residents".

The council stressed that the legal fight would continue. "While the Court of Appeal has lifted the temporary injunction, the case for the final injunction is still to be heard. Our battle on behalf of our residents will continue. A few weeks from now we will be back in court where we trust the strength of our case will still prevail".

The opposition Conservative party criticised the government's actions, pledging to keep up the political pressure. A message to Conservative subscribers stated, "The people of Epping have not stood up, and made their voices heard, in vain. We’ll be continuing to pressure Labour to close the asylum hotels, and get a grip on this country’s illegal immigration crisis".

The council's statement concluded by highlighting the fundamental principle at stake.

"Planning law may seem dull. It might seem boring. But it goes to the heart of the relationship between local communities and good government. It enshrines the rights of local people to have a say within their own communities and it should not be set aside lightly… The battle is not over, and we will continue the fight – it is nothing less than the people of Epping would expect and deserve".

With the temporary injunction lifted, the Home Office is legally able to proceed with using the Bell Hotel, though the final legal outcome remains pending.

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