"Epping Forest District Council is seeking to block migrants lodging at The Bell Hotel in Epping, which was the scene of vociferous protests over the summer. Lawyers for the authority accused Somani Hotels of 'sidestepping' planning laws due to 'the lure of a trove of government-funded profits'. The Home Office, which intervened in the case, argued the closure of asylum hotels must be 'structured' and gradual."
"Mr Coppel argued this change was having a 'significant adverse impact' on people living, working and visiting the town. 'A person wanting to stay in Epping cannot book a room there. A person cannot even visit there,' he said in written submissions to the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London. 'A hotel contributes to the amenity of the vicinity - those living and working there. It does not attract weekly protests and draw in unlawful activity.'"
The Bell Hotel in Epping housed asylum seekers and became the focus of vociferous and sometimes violent protests. Epping Forest District Council alleges Somani Hotels changed the hotel's use without planning permission to profit from government-funded contracts, causing significant adverse impacts on residents, workers and visitors. The council seeks a permanent injunction to block migrant lodging, while Somani Hotels and the Home Office oppose the claim. The Home Office urged that closures of asylum hotels be structured and gradual. A previous temporary injunction was awarded and later overturned. An asylum seeker housed at the hotel was jailed for sexual assaults.
Read at www.bbc.com
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