A council attempting to prevent an Epping hotel from sheltering asylum seekers has lost a court appeal to the Supreme Court.

Epping Forest District Council has obtained an interim order from the High Court, which would have required migrants to leave The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, by September 12.

That decision was overturned last week by Court of Appeal justices, who also ruled that the issue could not be taken to the Supreme Court, however the council stated that it can now make a direct approach to the higher court.

Following months of protests at the hotel, Conservative council leader Chris Whitbread urged demonstrators to consider leaving because the town was “under great strain.”

The council contended in the High Court that the property owner, Somani Hotels, violated planning laws by failing to notify the local authority of its intentions for The Bell.

However, the corporation and the Home Office, which installs migrants at the location, successfully overturned the order in the Court of Appeal.

A comprehensive High Court hearing to consider a permanent injunction is set for October.

In the interim, the council is considering filing a direct appeal with the Supreme Court, the UK’s highest court of appeals, regarding the denial of the temporary injunction.

Mr Whitbread stated: “We feel the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the interim injunction for the closure of The Bell Hotel was incorrect. “However, this is not the end of it. We believe we have a good case for a final injunction, which will be heard perhaps in early October.

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

The council stated that the Court of Appeal had “no reasons” for denying permission to pursue the issue to the Supreme Court.

The Bell houses 138 asylum seekers, and scores of individuals were arrested for disorder near the hotel, several of whom have now been charged.

Conservative councillor Mr Whitbread asked potential demonstrators to exercise caution as locals were “under great strain” as many children returned to school on Wednesday. “I support the right of local people to peacefully protest,” he told reporters.

“However, following more disturbances and arrests by Essex Police, I am addressing the other group leaders on Epping Forest District Council and other community leaders to jointly encourage demonstrators to consider whether they should continue with the twice-weekly local protests.

“If you decide to proceed, do so with consideration and calm, keeping in mind the impact on local citizens and the economy.

“As schools return this week, I appeal to the protest organisers to show restraint and give our families and children some much needed respite.”

The recent wave of demonstrations erupted after one of the hotel’s inhabitants was arrested and charged with a number of charges, including sexual assault on a 14-year-old child.

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com