Squatters have moved into the former Kashmir restaurant at 18-20 Lacy Road, marking another commercial property takeover in Putney as the area continues to grapple with organised squatting groups.
A Section 144 notice posted on the premises confirms the building is now occupied, appearing alongside last month’s bailiff notice demanding the former restaurateurs vacate the property after being forced out by their landlord. Two mattresses can be seen leaning against the window, with a bicycle visible inside.
The owner of neighbouring Artisans of Sardinia restaurant was unaware of the situation when contacted by Putney.news, suggesting these occupants are considerably quieter than the squatters who spent months in the nearby White Lion pub putting neighbours through “eight weeks of hell.”
Pattern of Organised Occupation
The takeover appears to follow the same pattern as the White Lion occupation, most likely involving the same organised group that has been targeting Putney’s empty commercial properties. Unlike the White Lion, where squatters moved in during the changeover as paid guardians left, the Kashmir premises had no previous occupants.
As we reported last month, squatting has become a well-organised process, with groups specifically targeting areas ill-equipped to deal with the issue. Commercial property squatters are afforded significant legal rights, making eviction a lengthy and costly process.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing Putney, where court backlogs mean extremely slow legal processes, while the Met police appear unwilling or unable to use their powers to intervene effectively. This combination has made Putney an attractive target for groups moved out of central London, Chelsea and Fulham.
Growing Concern for High Street
With numerous empty shops dotting Putney High Street and adjoining roads, the potential for further occupations looms large. The White Lion squatters eviction took months to complete and left significant damage, while squatters remain in the adjoining Boilermaker. The Kashmir takeover represents a third property now affected. That we know of.
Local authorities, local councillors, the police, Putney’s MP and Business Improvement District appear to have been “caught again on the hop” again, despite warnings from Putney.news and others that they needed to develop specific strategies for dealing with commercial property squatting.
Background
Kashmir was a beloved restaurant in the area, especially given its remarkable response during the Covid pandemic, but was closed in May after being forced out by their landlord. The building’s new occupation comes as Putney continues to struggle with ongoing squatter issues that have affected multiple commercial properties in recent months.
We have contacted the landlord’s solicitors and are awaiting a response.
