Holding Authorities to Account: Bell Hotel, Epping
We have initiated a comprehensive legal and investigatory response surrounding the events at the Bell Hotel, Epping, where asylum accommodation and coordinated protest logistics have raised serious public and institutional concerns.
Summary of Concerns
- Potential unlawful change of use of the Bell Hotel from transient hotel (C1 classification) to asylum accommodation, without planning permission.
- Alleged police facilitation of activist groups (including Stand Up to Racism and Antifa) who arrived at Epping Station and were escorted by police—some via riot vans—to the protest site.
- Targeted public disorder and damage followed, with apparent investigative bias toward local protesters while transported agitators were shielded or omitted from scrutiny.
Formal Actions Taken
Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests Submitted:
- ✅ Essex Police – transport coordination, deployment orders, and risk assessments
- ✅ Metropolitan Police – cross-force involvement and escort authorisations
- ✅ Epping Forest District Council – planning compliance, asylum accommodation oversight, and protest liaison
- ✅ Council Planning Enforcement Team – query on unlawful material change of use of the Bell Hotel without C1 reclassification
Legal Escalation Prepared:
- A formal misfeasance in public office complaint drafted for submission to the IOPC and Essex Police Professional Standards
- Evidence bundle assembled: video footage, timeline, operational mapping, and harm analysis
Why This Matters
This is not simply a dispute over policy. It is a test of procedural integrity, planning law compliance, and operational impartiality by public bodies entrusted with safety, transparency, and governance.
When institutions shield agitators, sidestep accountability, or facilitate politically charged disruptions without scrutiny, they must be legally and publicly held to account.
We are committed to documenting every step, exposing inconsistencies, and challenging regulatory silence. If you witnessed events, hold relevant footage, or wish to contribute, we invite you to contact us.