"Epping Forest District Council is going to continue its legal action and appeal against a High Court decision that rejected its case to close Epping's Bell Hotel to asylum seekers. Its Conservative leader, Chris Whitbread, told the BBC after a meeting on Tuesday night that "we have agreed we are going to continue the process of appeal", adding "a strong majority" of councillors backed continuing court proceedings."
"Earlier this month, Mr Justice Mould dismissed the council's claim, ruling an injunction was "not an appropriate means of enforcing planning control". The Home Office said the judgment allowed it to work to close every asylum hotel in an "orderly, planned and sustained programme". The extraordinary council meeting was held in private session, so councillors could receive legal advice. Mr Whitbread told the BBC afterwards that the cost of the legal action would be made public "very soon"."
Epping Forest District Council will proceed with an appeal after a High Court rejected its attempt to close the Bell Hotel to asylum seekers. Mr Justice Mould ruled an injunction was "not an appropriate means of enforcing planning control." The Home Office said the judgment allows it to work to close asylum hotels in an "orderly, planned and sustained programme." Councillors met privately to receive legal advice and a strong majority backed continuing court proceedings. The council will publish the legal costs soon, and a Liberal Democrat leader said the action has drained council reserves. The town has been divided by protests over the hotel.
Read at www.bbc.com
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