The High Court is currently hearing a case against Somani Hotels in Epping, Essex, which is housing asylum seekers and allegedly breaching planning laws through a 'material change' in use since 2020.

The council is seeking a permanent injunction, citing community disruption, protests, and criminal incidents involving residents as reasons for the legal action.

Previously, a temporary injunction was granted to stop housing asylum seekers at the hotel, but it was overturned by the Court of Appeal in August due to flaws in the initial decision.

The Home Office attempted to delay the upcoming court hearing but was denied, with the court emphasizing the importance of resolving the matter quickly.

The court also rejected the Home Office's efforts to delay the hearing in September, highlighting the urgency of a prompt resolution.

Political reactions have been divided, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer supporting the closure of asylum hotels, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized this approach and urged legal action by local councils.

Other political figures, including Dame Angela Eagle, have called for a controlled and orderly closure of these hotels, reflecting the broader debate on how to handle asylum accommodation.

Overall, high-profile politicians are divided, with some advocating for the removal of asylum hotels and others criticizing the approach, emphasizing the political tension surrounding the issue.