What is the Bell Hotel Injunction?

This week, Epping Forest District Council secured an interim High Court injunction preventing the Bell Hotel in Epping, from being used to accommodate people seeking asylum. You might have heard it on the news. 

An interim injunction is a temporary Court Order that it prevents something from happening until a full Court hearing takes place. 

In this case, the Order means that the Bell Hotel can no longer house people seeking asylum. Those already living there must be moved out by the Home Office by 4pm on 12 September 2025.

It is important to know that the Bell Hotel case was not about the overall use of hotels for asylum accommodation: it was about planning rules. The Council argued that converting a functioning hotel into longer-term asylum accommodation was a ‘material change of use’, which required planning permission. The owners of the hotel, Somani Hotels, have disagreed with this.

The Judge had to balance two competing duties: the Government’s duty to provide accommodtion to people seeking asylum with no other way of supporting themselves (destitute) and the council’s responsibility to make sure planning laws are followed. The Judge decided that the Council’s case had merit (their arguments should be looked at more closely), so a temporary order was made until the Court can fully examine the issues.

This means that the Bell Hotel cannot be used as asylum accommodation without first obtaining proper planning permission and residents need to be relocated. It is important to remember that this injunction does not create a nationwide ban on people seeking asylum being housed in hotels or being housed at all.

Why is it getting a lot of news coverage?

The ruling is receiving a lot of media attention because it comes after months of escalating tension. 

The Bell Hotel became the focal point for violent demonstrations following an alleged sexual assault by a resident. Far-right groups used the situation to stir unrest, leading to clashes with police and several arrests. There have been many other demonstrations in other parts of the UK as well.

The decision is reported as the first clear example of a local council using planning law successfully challenge the Home Office’s use of hotesl for asylum accommodation. After the ruling, some other councils said they may also look at legal options.

It is important to remember that each case will depend on its own facts, and the Home Office still has the power to procure hotel rooms elsewhere.

Advice for those currently in asylum hotels

If you are living in a hotel, news like this may feel worrying. Please remember:

• People seeking asylum who are destitute (this means you have no money to support yourself and nowhere safe to live) are legally entitled to basic support and accommodation under sections 4, 95 and 98 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. This has not changed.

• At the moment, it is not clear if other councils will try similar legal action. This may be a one-off.

It’s important that we don’t panic. We can stay grounded and connected by working together. Make sure you are in touch with groups and organisations who are supporting people in hotels. You are not alone and we will keep you updated as more develops.

Right to Remain Team