Grow Heathrow: Green-fingered squatters' eviction fight

Lettuces and squashes are grown in renovated greenhouses

Squatters are rarely the most popular residents in a neighbourhood.

But on Vineries Close in Sipson, west London, resides a group of squatters many of the local people are keen to see stay.

Residents say they like the occupants because they have turned what was once a "derelict mess", into a thriving market garden.

The squatters have renovated greenhouses and grow lettuces, courgettes and squashes that would raise the eyebrow of many an organic greengrocer.

They also happen to be on a site that sits directly in the path of where Heathrow Airport's third runway was to be built - a location in many of their neighbours' interests to protect.

But the squatters - who call themselves Grow Heathrow - face possible eviction as the owner of the land wants to remove them from the site.

Imran Malik solicitor's Stephen Phillips said: "Mr Malik is the legal owner of the land and, as such, is entitled to possession of it."

A hearing at Central London County Court begins on Monday.

It is expected to weigh up the human rights and hard work of those who have moved in against the simple fact the land is not theirs.

'Scrapped cars'

Grow Heathrow claims the land had "previously been problematic for the local community and was often a site of anti-social behaviour before it was virtually abandoned".

It says it cleared "30 tonnes of rubbish" when squatters moved onto the land.

Grow Heathrow says it cleared "30 tonnes of rubbish" when it moved onto the site

"There were needles, there was broken glass, there were scrapped cars, and we found a whole tank of diesel," said Olive Morris from Grow Heathrow.

But the landowner's solicitor responded: "Mr Malik was not himself responsible for the state of the site prior to its occupation by Grow Heathrow."

"It was caused by a tenant of his."

But even if the land has been tidied up, is this not a bit like getting into someone else's house, redecorating it, and then saying because you have done that you are entitled to it?

"We were asked by the community residents to come here and to make it something they could be proud of," responded Ms Morris.

Grow Heathrow also claims to share practical skills such as permaculture design, bicycle maintenance and wood and metal work with the community.

Joe Rake, also from Grow Heathrow, said: "We want to continue the work we do with schools, youth clubs and the residents' association."

A Harmondsworth and Sipson Residents' Association (HASRA) spokesperson said: "Their tireless efforts and support have regenerated enthusiasm for community working that inspires the many people who visit."

'Attempted negotiation'

Meanwhile, local Labour MP John McDonnell said: "Grow Heathrow have taken a derelict site that has caused local residents numerous problems and transformed it into a beautiful area, serving the whole community."

But Mr Malik's solicitor responded: "Whilst no doubt Grow Heathrow have put in a lot of work in clearing up and improving the site, at the end of the day this gives them no legal right to continue trespassing on the land.

Grow Heathrow has occupied the land for more than two years

"As for the future, Mr Malik has his own plans to utilise the site in ways that he considers will be of benefit to the local community."

The squatters said "during months of attempted negotiations" they have tried to purchase the land as part of a community land trust.

But Mr Phillips said: "Although there have been offers to buy the site from Mr Malik, they have been for sums that are too low to even consider."

To remain on the land, the squatters have a tough battle on their hands, but if they win the case could set a precedent for land use elsewhere.

A previous court case for possession of the land at Uxbridge County Court in November 2011 was adjourned because the judge accepted some of the defendants' arguments which were based upon Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights - the right to respect for private and family life - meaning a higher authority was needed to rule on the case.

Mr Phillips said: "As regards the Human Rights Act issues that have been raised in the defence, and that Article 8 applies to the claim, if the Court were to uphold this it would fundamentally transform the law on possession actions, even against private tenants."

The coalition government has ruled out building a third runway at Heathrow. An aviation consultation will publish its findings this summer.

The hearing over Vineries Close is expected to last for two days.