The Home Office is bracing itself for further legal challenges from local authorities after a council was granted a temporary injunction blocking migrants from being housed in an Essex hotel following weeks of protests.

Epping Forest District Council has been granted an interim injunction at the Royal Courts of Justice to stop the use of the Bell Hotel in Epping for the housing of asylum seekers – a ruling that is expected to trigger similar challenges from councils around the country.

The interim injunction orders that by 4pm on 12 September 2025, and until there is final judgement of the council’s claim, that the hotel’s owners Somani Hotels Limited must not use, or permit the use of, the hotel for accommodating asylum seekers unless planning permission is granted for this purpose.

The injunction also contains a declaration that the use of the Bell Hotel for asylum seekers is not a permitted use of the hotel for planning purposes.

As a result of the ruling, the Home Office said it was looking “very closely” at the judgement and considering “contingency options”.

Security minister Dan Jarvis told LBC: “The specifics of the legal challenge actually relate to a planning matter and the specific use of that hotel. So, we’re looking very closely at the judgment.”

In a statement, Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council, said: “I am delighted. This is great news for our residents. The last few weeks have placed an intolerable strain on our community but today we have some great news. Thank you to Mr Justice Eyre. For the first time in weeks, we can see a chink of light at the end of the tunnel.

“This is not the end of the matter. Having obtained an interim provision the next stage is for the council to return to the court and seek a permanent injunction.

“Home Office policy ignores the issues and concerns of local residents that the council represents. Today we have made a step towards redressing the imbalance and showing that local people do have some say, whatever the Home Office thinks.”