Epping Council loses permission to appeal ruling over asylum seekers at Bell Hotel

Epping Council has been denied the chance to appeal a ruling to the Supreme Court over asylum seekers being housed at the Bell Hotel.

The Essex hotel has become the focal point of protests, and counter-protests, in recent weeks after an asylum seeker staying there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenager. He denies the allegation.

Epping Forest District Council was last month granted a temporary injunction to stop asylum seekers from being housed at the accommodation – but this was overturned on Friday after legal challenges from the Home Office and the hotel’s owner, Somani Hotels.

The council has now said “no reasons were given” after its application for permission to appeal the most recent judgment was denied.

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A statement on its website said: “It is now open for the council to ask the Supreme Court itself for permission to appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

“The council has consistently opposed the use of The Bell Hotel to place asylum-seekers, which is in breach of planning control and is against the interests of those living in, working in and using the area.”

Council leader Chris Whitbread said in a statement that Tuesday’s decision was “wrong” and accused the Court of Appeal judges of putting “the secretary of state’s duties towards asylum seekers above those of the council to uphold the planning system”.

Adding that “this is not the end of the matter”, Mr Whitbread said: “We consider we have a strong case for a final injunction.

“The final injunction hearing is expected to be heard some time in early October.

“The council is keeping all our options open, including seeking permission from the Supreme Court to appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal.”

Mr Whitbread also appealed to protesters to act “considerately and calmly” should they continue with regular demonstrations as schools return.

Multiple protests have been held outside the Bell Hotel since mid-July, when Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

His trial began last week and is due to conclude later this week.

Kebatu, 38, denies two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence.

Protests and counter-protests have also taken place outside other hotels across the country housing asylum seekers.

Two charged over Bell Hotel protests

Earlier on Tuesday, a man and a woman were charged over their part in demonstrations at the lodgings on Sunday.

Essex Police said Sarah White, 40, of Chigwell, and Scott Davey, 32, of nearby Nazeing, were arrested on suspicion of breaching a Section 14 order, which was put in place by police to designate where people could assemble.

A 22-year-old man from Epping was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage, over allegations that a banner was set alight on Friday, the force said.

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Also on Tuesday, a judge told a man who admitted to violent disorder outside the hotel earlier this summer that he should expect to be sent to jail.

Martin Peagram pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to violent disorder after protesting outside the hotel on 17 July.

Judge Jamie Sawyer told the court: “Mr Peagram must understand the likely sentence will be an immediate prison sentence.”