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High Court Blocks Use of Epping Asylum Hotel, Orders It Emptied by September 12

Planning law, not immigration policy, drove the ruling.

Overview

  • The order stops Home Office placements at the Bell Hotel and requires all residents to leave by 4 p.m. on 12 September.
  • Mr Justice Eyre rejected a late Home Office intervention, citing an arguable planning breach and risks to occupant safety from recent unrest.
  • Roughly 140 men in around 80 rooms will be relocated, with ministers drawing up contingency plans.
  • Councils including Broxbourne signalled they will explore similar court action, as Reform UK figures urge others to follow Epping’s lead.
  • Police and officials warned that copycat protests could strain local forces, with a full hearing due in the autumn and the owner refused permission to appeal at this stage.