DRINKERS who lost their pub say they are cautiously hopeful after plans to replace it were agreed.

The Rutland Arms, in Perry Hill, Bellingham, which featured in CAMRA's good beer guide, was closed in December 2006 and developers wanted to convert the building into flats.

But following a campaign by former customers, who collected a petition with 370 signatures, a new application was submitted for a ground-floor pub with flats above.

Permission has now been granted by Lewisham Council's planning committee.

CAMRA member Neil Pettigrew, one of the campaigners, said: "That's great news for the area. Let's hope they go ahead with it soon.

"In the borough of Lewisham we've lost 71 pubs in the last decade or so. It's shocking.

"Almost half the pubs have gone to property developers."

Forge Architects & Surveyors Ltd, acting on behalf of Metroliving Ltd, first submitted an application last year which was turned down.

A second application incorporating a bar was deferred in January after concerns were raised that a bar could not function unless there was more storage space.

A larger cellar has now been added to the plans.

Bellingham ward councillor Ami Ibitson said: "It has taken three planning applications but we now have approved plans for a viable pub on the site.

"What we now want to see is that the pub is going to be properly marketed to potential landlords or breweries, so that we don't end up back at square one.

"The Rutland was extremely popular and a unique venue and there is no reason this can't be the case again so this is a great opportunity for someone to take on."