"Lawyers for the local district council had sought a permanent injunction against the current use of the Bell hotel in Epping, arguing at the high court that it was a feeding ground for unrest and protest. The application was opposed by the property's owner, Somani Hotels, while the Home Office also intervened in the case, arguing that the closure of asylum hotels must be structured and gradual."
"Mr Justice Mould ruled on Tuesday that Epping Forest district council (EFDC) had a reasonable basis for its view that the current use of the Bell required planning permission and that it was in breach of planning control. However, he rejected the council's case that Somani's use of the Bell to accommodate asylum seekers was a flagrant or persistent abuse of planning control."
Asylum seekers will remain housed at the Bell hotel in Epping after a High Court ruling. Epping Forest district council sought a permanent injunction claiming the hotel's current use fuelled unrest and required planning permission. The property's owner, Somani Hotels, opposed the application and the Home Office intervened, saying closures of asylum hotels must be structured and gradual. Mr Justice Mould found the council had reasonable basis to view the use as needing planning permission and breaching planning control, but he rejected claims of flagrant or persistent abuse. The hotel was a focus for large protests, violence, and arrests after a sexual assault by an occupant.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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