Overview

• After hearing arguments on Thursday, Lord Justice Bean said the Court of Appeal aims to deliver its judgment at 2pm Friday, with the interim High Court order still barring use of the Bell Hotel for asylum housing beyond 12 September.
• The Home Office and Somani Hotels are challenging both the injunction and the refusal to let the home secretary intervene, arguing the ruling risks a damaging precedent and could encourage further protests and copycat legal bids.
• Epping Forest District Council defends the injunction as a planning‑law response to a material change of use, saying the case sets no precedent and that Somani proceeded without permission.
• Counsel said 138 asylum seekers now at the Bell would need relocating if the order stands, while a Home Office official warned the loss of up to 152 beds would hinder the department’s statutory duty to house vulnerable people.
• Essex Police announced a Section 60AA order banning face coverings near the hotel for planned protests tonight, following recent demonstrations and multiple related charges.