A district council has sought an interim High Court injunction to halt the housing of migrants at a local hotel.
The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, has been the site of numerous demonstrations in recent months, with protesters voicing opposition to its use as accommodation for asylum seekers.
Epping Forest District Council cited a “clear risk of further escalating community tensions” as the rationale for its legal action.
Chris Whitbread, the Conservative leader of the council, stated: “We should not have to take this fight to the High Court, but we are left with no choice. It is now up to the judge.”
He emphasized the “unprecedented levels of protest and disruption” that have occurred near the hotel since the previous month.
The council submitted the application and requested that it be enacted within 14 days, should it be granted.
The council is also “seeking a declaration” that the hotel’s current use for accommodating asylum seekers is distinct from typical hotel operations and therefore violates existing planning regulations.
A spokesperson for the local authority indicated that, to the council’s knowledge, individuals housed at the hotel are not subject to criminal record checks, despite the presence of five schools and a residential care home in the immediate vicinity.
“The current situation cannot go on. If The Bell Hotel was a nightclub we could have closed it down long ago,” the spokesperson asserted.
“The use by the Home Office of the premises for asylum seekers poses a clear risk of further escalating community tensions already at a high, and the risk of irreparable harm to the local community.”
Recent protests were sparked by the arrest of a hotel resident, who was subsequently charged with sexual assault, harassment, and inciting a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Hadush Kebatu, 41, from Ethiopia, has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in custody.
Since then, twenty-eight individuals have been arrested in connection with disturbances at the hotel, with sixteen facing charges.
Police officers reported being assaulted and their vehicles damaged during one of the protests.
Counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism have also been present at the hotel.
Care4Calais, a refugee charity providing support to asylum seekers at the hotel, reported that some residents have become fearful of leaving the premises.
The BBC has requested a response from the Home Office regarding the council’s injunction application.
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The two men are both due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
The hotel, which is used to house asylum seekers, is damaged and police vehicles are targeted.
Five Essex politicians say the sites are unsuitable and place an “unsustainable strain” on police.
A man is charged with a public order offence and remains on bail, police say.
Police make three arrests as pro- and anti-migrant protesters stage rival demonstrations in Epping.