Borough council resolves to take legal action over asylum hotel

Councillors voted for the motion regarding the Delta Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, at a full council meeting on Wednesday (5 November).

The motion alleges that the council was not consulted on plans for the hotel and that public services "are now facing increased and unsustainable pressure" as a result of its use.

"The use of the hotel in this way represents an unauthorised change of use from its lawful planning status as a hotel," the motion says.

It adds: "Former asylum seekers currently make up a third of the households in temporary accommodation.

"The Council is experiencing significant pressure on its resources dealing with on the day homeless presentations from former asylum seekers as well as the rising costs of providing emergency temporary accommodation for them. This would not be happening if the hotel was not in the Borough.

"The Council is therefore bringing this motion forward as part of its plan to take the necessary steps, including planning enforcement action where applicable, to seek the closure of the hotel and restore it to its lawful use.

"The Council believes that Broxbourne residents must come first."

The motion also notes that the arrangement has placed additional strain on health, education, community safety and housing services.

Broxbourne first expressed interest in a legal challenge in August, following the High Court's decision to grant a temporary injunction that blocked the use of a hotel to accommodate asylum seekers in Epping.

The Home Office later appealed the decision, leading to the Court of Appeal ruling that the injunction had been wrongly granted.

Epping Forest has since appealed to the Supreme Court and is awaiting a response.

The Home Office has been approached for comment.

Adam Carey