A COUNCILLOR is calling for developers who demolished an 18th century pub building without permission to be prosecuted by the council.

Back in March, the Greyhound in Kirkdale, Sydenham, was knocked down, leaving just the front wall intact, despite it being in a conservation area banning demolition without council consent.

Developer Purelake had previously gained permission to build flats on the site, along with redeveloping the pub itself.

Councillor Liam Curran, who led a campaign to save the pub from demolition back in 2008, demanded to know at a Lewisham Council meeting last week whether any legal action would be taken.

He asked: "Will the council be prosecuting the developers for the unlawful demolition of the Greyhound pub?"

Cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Alan Smith said: "I suppose we'll look at an action against the developers of that site but I can't say any more than that."

Cllr Curran pressed: "Is that a yes or a no, just so I can be clear?"

The councillor replied: "I can't give you an answer to that."

Cllr Curran drew a parallel with the Baring Hall Hotel pub in Grove Park which was only saved from demolition last year following an 11th hour intervention from campaigners and the Mayor of Lewisham.

He said prosecuting Purelake, which has just submitted a new planning application to rebuild the pub with the addition of two flats above, would send a message to other developers considering similar action.

Pure Lake director Gerry Dowd said demolition had been necessary because of “structural problems’ at the building, partly caused by a fire.

He said: “Councillor Curran has had no contact with us whatsoever.”