CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a derelict pub from demolition face another battle.

Developer Renewal Beckenham Ltd was refused planning permission to knock down the Green Man pub in Bromley Road, Catford, to make way for 54 flats.

The company is appealing against Lewisham Council's refusal to give permission for a four and five-storey apartment block with 45 parking spaces.

It will now be the subject of a public inquiry due to be held later this year.

The council refused the application on the grounds it would represent an "overdevelopment of the site".

It also cited access problems and raised concern over the impact it would have on St John's Church, a neighbouring listed building.

More than 150 people attended the planning meeting at the Civic Suite, Catford, on November 9.

Residents now fear the appeal could be an opportunity for the developer to change the council's mind.

Catford Southend Residents' Association secretary John Grosvenor, who objected to the proposal, said: "It will be all flats and houses and no social facilities for the area.

"I am concerned the developer will persuade the council to give the go-ahead when people, as far as we are concerned, don't want it."

Former Labour councillor Carl Kisicki, from Blackheath, said: "It's a shame such a historical building and useful social facility is lost for some nondescript, bland apartment complex.

"I wouldn't mind in principle if the facade was retained and there was some attractive building behind it, on the proviso a public house could be built on the ground floor."

Whitefoot ward councillor Dan Houghton hopes the decision of the planning committee will be upheld.

He said: "The original application contravened Lewisham Council's own planning policies and it was quite rightly refused."

A Renewal Beckenham Limited spokesman said: "We were surprised the members went against the professional recommendations of their officers because we still believe the proposal is appropriate."

  • April 30 is the deadline to submit further written objections to Ms Ruth Strainge, The Planning Inspectorate, 3/14 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.