As leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council at that time, I raised with officers and legal advisers the possibility of applying for an injunction to limit or prevent this use.
The Conservative Group believed such an approach should be explored fully given the scale of disruption to the community.
We were advised very clearly that an injunction would not be possible and that such an application would be unsuccessful.
On the strength of that advice, the council did not proceed.
Instead, we had to make strong representations directly to the Home Office through every available communication channel to reduce the number of hotels in use from four down to the current one.
Fast forward to this week: the High Court has granted Epping Forest District Council exactly that kind of injunction, even against the wishes of the Home Secretary.
This raises serious questions about why Basingstoke was advised that such action could not be taken.
Residents deserve confidence that every legal tool available to the council is properly explored and used when communities are under pressure.
We will be pressing for answers on why the advice given to us three years ago was so definitive, and whether the council needs to urgently review its approach.
Cllr Simon Minas-Bound
Sherborne St John and Rooksdown ward
Group leader – Conservative
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council
Send letters by email to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk or by post to Editor, Basingstoke Gazette, Absolutely Offices, Lutyens Close, Lychpit, Basingstoke RG24 8AG.
All letters and e-mails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request, if the reason justifies it.
Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.