Overview
- Lady Justice Andrews and Lord Justice Holgate refused permission to appeal, describing the council’s case as unarguable.
- The decision leaves Mr Justice Mould’s November ruling in place, which found any planning breach was far from flagrant and that an injunction was not just or convenient.
- The Bell Hotel in Epping will continue to house asylum seekers following the Court of Appeal judgment.
- Somani Hotels and the Home Office opposed the appeal, and the court affirmed that the need to provide accommodation can be a relevant planning consideration.
- Epping Forest District Council had a prior temporary injunction overturned as seriously flawed in principle and has spent about £566,000 on the legal fight, according to GB News.