CAMPAIGNERS for the Baring Hall Hotel in Grove Park have seen off plans to demolish it.
It took last minute legal action by residents and a local listing from Lewisham's mayor to stop the 130-year-old building being demolished last year and turned into shops and flats.
Last week, an appeal by the developer was defeated and campaigners now hope to reopen it as a community pub.
The inspectorate's report concluded: "The existing building has architectural interest, substantial historical interest and a different purpose and function in the street scene which adds very significant quality to the area which is strongly valued by the local community."
Councillor Liam Curran said: "Now the real hard work begins in raising the funds and getting the developers to sell it on."
Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Regeneration Councillor Alan Smith said: "We are obviously delighted with the Planning Inspectorate's decision and now hope that we will be able to find a more fitting plan to refurbish this much-loved local landmark."
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