Epping Forest to appeal refusal by High Court judge to grant final injunction in asylum hotel dispute

Mr Justice Mould rejected the council's application for a final injunction earlier this month after finding that, while the hotel's use breached planning control, it did not cause serious harm and this was not a case where an injunction was "just and convenient".

Councillors backed an appeal of Mould J's ruling during a private full council meeting on Tuesday (25 November).

The council's leader, Chris Whitbread, told the BBC that a "strong majority" of councillors voted to continue proceedings.

He also told the BBC that the cost of the legal action would be made public "soon".

A spokesperson later confirmed that the decision was taken "having heard all the arguments" and following a full council debate.

"The council will continue to take legal advice at each stage of the appeals process and remains committed to the closure of the Bell Hotel," it added.

The litigation will mark the second appeal that Epping Forest is currently pursuing in relation to the Bell Hotel.

Epping Forest is awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on whether to grant the local authority permission for an appeal of the Court of Appeal's decision to reverse an interim injunction the council secured regarding the Bell Hotel.

It is understood that a Supreme Court panel is to consider the application for permission before the end of the year.

Adam Carey