Plans to bulldoze an old pub in Greenwich and build a six-storey block of flats have been submitted to the council.

Cobalt Equity Management wants to knock down The Thames pub in Thames Street and build eight flats with shops underneath.

The pub was last open in the 90s and, according to the applicant, the site is in "disrepair".

A previous scheme to demolish the pub and build a block of flats was thrown out by the council because of the impact the development would have on the local character.

However, the applicants have now said: "The demolition of the existing building continues to be justified on the basis that it does not contribute positively to the existing street scene.

"The current building subsequently shows signs of neglect and is structurally unsound following a lack of maintenance. The site’s under-use and decline is subsequently addressed by our proposal.

"We consider that the redevelopment of the site also provides an opportunity to create a scheme with a high quality design which enhances and complements the surrounding townscape character.

"At present, the building appears out of context in terms of scale and use among the neighbouring residential developments."

According to the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), 18 pubs a week are closing down and 1,500 pubs have rang last orders for good since 2002.

If the project gets the green light, seven one-bed and studio apartments and a two-bedroom flat will be built over six storeys and the ground floor will be for commercial use.

Developers have said the building would be "car-free" because of nearby transport links - but there is space included for 10 bikes.

None of the proposed homes are earmarked to be affordable, with the council's policy of 35 per cent only applicable for developments of 10 homes or more.