Squatters have made themselves at home in a once controversial property neighbouring JMW Turner's House.

Legal action has been mounted against the unwelcome visitors, who entered the site at 77-79 St Margaret's Road through a yard owned by Professor Harold Livermore, the owner of Turner's House, Sandycombe Lodge.

He said: "It (the yard and 77-79 St Margaret's Road) has been invaded by squatters. They entered the yard by opening the gate and they have got three vehicles."

The squatters invaded the land on Sunday, November 26, and at 6pm police were called. They visited the site but discovered no damage had been caused.

Since then two mobile homes and a bus have been parked in the yard.

Police spoke to the sole occupier of number 79, a male with a crew cut and Irish accent, and he agreed to remove all three vehicles from the site that evening.

But Prof Livermore and the owner of the house, Aoife Leopold, told the Richmond and Twickenham Times they remained on the site this week and that together they had started legal action to get four people and three dogs evicted.

The news comes as Richmond Council consider new proposals to develop number 79.

Campaigners rejoiced two years ago as the council threw out plans to put up a four storey residential building at 77-79 St Margaret's Road. They claimed that the development would comprise neighbouring Sandycombe Lodge, a Grade II listed property designed and built by the 18th century artist.

The Friends of Turner's House was formed and opponents even called on Prince Charles to help thwart the plans of the applicant, Hugh Brasher, son of Chris, the Olympic champion who founded the London Marathon.

Professor Harold Livermore who has lived in Turner's house since 1947, said the property should be protected as it has not just local but national and international importance. It is one of the greatest assets in the borough of Twickenham'' he said.

The new proposals, submitted by Design & Build Limited of Isleworth, affect No 79 St Margaret's Road which stands at the corner of Sandycombe Road.

Conservation area consent is necessary for the demolition of the outbuildings and construction of four homes, three with one bedroom and one with two bedrooms. The existing residence would be converted into four flats with one bedroom each.

Aoife Leopold of Design & Build Limited has been consulting with those who live around the property, including Prof Livermore and Turner's Trust.