- A temporary injunction that aimed to block asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, has been overturned by the Court of Appeal.
- In a ruling last week, Mr Justice Eyre granted Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) an interim injunction.
- The Court of Appeal judges ruled in favour of Somani Hotels, the hotel owner, and the Home Office, stating that the High Court's original ruling was 'seriously flawed in principle'.
- Epping Forest District Council had secured the interim injunction, claiming Somani Hotels breached planning rules by using the Bell as accommodation for asylum seekers.
- The overturning of the injunction provides relief for the Home Office, which had been concerned about potential further legal challenges from other councils regarding asylum seeker accommodation.
- Lord Justice Bean noted that the High Court's approach ignored the impact on overall asylum seeker capacity and could encourage similar actions by other local authorities.
IN FULL