Squatters ordered out of Mayfair

The newest squat, in Park Lane, has the Dorchester Hotel as a neighbour

Squatters who took over a £22.5m house in Mayfair have been ordered by a court to leave the property.

Bailiffs are set to clear the building on Wednesday after an order was granted to owners Timekeeper Limited.

The owner's lawyer confirmed that the order to vacate was issued for the two linked buildings in Charles Street and Clarges Mews in the heart of Mayfair.

At least six people have occupied the buildings since last autumn after being evicted from Upper Grosvenor Street.

The order, issued at Central London County Court, comes days after other squatters moved into two empty mansions on Park Lane, overlooking Hyde Park.

The Mayfair squatters left a £6.25m mansion in Upper Grosvenor for the pricier mews house in November.

'Beneficial use'

The owners argued that the buildings were not abandoned, but were empty pending planning permission for upgrades.

In an internet blog one of the squatters, using the name luckyjim, described the ruling: "The judge then summed up, stating that the claimant had proved ownership of the building and would be granted possession forthwith.

"But he said he recognised we had not damaged the building - an accurate but generous statement since he's never been inside - and that he saw we'd made beneficial use of it."

During their time at the property, the squatters hosted free art workshops showcasing their efforts.

Squatting is not illegal in England if the entry is not forced and no criminal damage is caused.