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Manx company in new battle to evict squatters from London property

A Manx company planning to build a 41-storey block of flats opposite a London superclub has found itself fighting a new battle over the site.

Oakmayne developments wants to replace a disused office block with apartments but has seen fierce opposition from the Ministry of Sound.

The nightclub claims if the plans are approved, noise complaints would see the club close.

And as London Mayor Boris Johnson was about to announce a decision on the development, the tower block was taken over by squatters, sparking a court battle to evict them.

Mr Johnson had called in the planning application and was due to hold a hearing into the proposals last week.

However, he was asked to delay his ruling by an unnamed third party – no date has been set for a future decision.

Meanwhile a group calling itself Self-Organised London broke into Eileen House and occupied it.

Douglas-registered developer Oakmayne Properties has been to the High Court to evict those inside the building and has been granted an order of possession.

On their website, the squatters say they’re fighting gentrification and corporate profits.

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