TODAY, Epping Forest District Council received the news that the Court has refused permission to appeal the decision taken by The Honourable Mr Justice Mould in November.

Council leader Chris Whitbread said: “We are angry and hugely disappointed by this outcome. I want to reassure residents that our priority remains with them and the protection of our communities across the district.

This decision marks the end of a lengthy legal battle undertaken by the council on behalf of its residents in which we have fought Somani and the Home Office at each and every turn, over their inappropriate use of the Bell Hotel in Epping for asylum accommodation.

I am shocked that the Home Office will continue to use this location to accommodate asylum seekers, especially given our neighbours in Broxbourne have only yesterday been informed that the Delta Mariott in Cheshunt will cease to be used to accommodate asylum seekers from June 2026.

We may not have been successful, but this is evidence that we have changed the debate around the Government’s use of hotels for housing asylum seekers. The number of hotels in use has reduced approximately by half and without Epping having taken this action it is doubtful that this would be the case.

This decision represents the end of the court process for challenging the use of the Bell Hotel as asylum accommodation.

Despite the disappointment our residents will feel, we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will use all powers available to us, working with the police and partners, to support Epping, its residents, and protect community safety. I will continue to use every opportunity to call for what our residents want and once again appeal to the Home Office to do the right thing and close the Bell Hotel in Epping.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these legal processes have taken place. We remain committed to ensuring Epping remains a safe and welcoming place for all”.