Deep discount supermarket chain Lidl has lost its appeal to knock down Mottingham residents’ beloved Porcupine Pub.

An appeal Lidl lodged in April, after Bromley Council rejected its plans to demolish the treasured boozer and build a supermarket, was heard at a public inquiry at the Civic Centre in early October.

Secretary of State appointed planning inspector John Woolcock dismissed Lidl’s plans on grounds of highway safety risks.

In a report published yesterday, he said manoeuvring delivery vehicles and shoppers’ cars at the store and pedestrians and cyclists on Mottingham Road would likely lead to safety risks.

He said: “I am not satisfied that the proposal has demonstrated that safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all people.”

Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill, who has always strongly objected the supermarket’s planning bid, said on Twitter it was a fantastic result for local residents.

News Shopper has contacted Lidl for comment.