CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a derelict pub from demolition have "scored a temporary victory".

More than 150 people attended a Lewisham Council planning meeting to hear the decision over the future of the Green Man pub in Bromley Road, Catford.

Developer Renewal Beckenham has applied for planning permission to knock the pub down to make way for 54 flats in a four and five-storey block. This would have 45 parking spaces.

But the planning committee refused the application on the grounds of causing "inappropriate density", which is contrary to the council's Unitary Development Plan (UDP).

There are also access problems to the site and concern over the impact the development would have on St John's Church, which is a neighbouring listed building.

Five members voted against and two in favour of the proposal at the meeting held in the Civic Suite, Catford, on November 9.

This was despite the fact council officers had recommended the committee should support the application.

The council received 150 letters of objection to the plan.

A petition containing 497 signatures raised concerns about the loss of the building and how it would affect the character of the area.

Speaking after the meeting, campaigner Minty Challis, who lived in the pub for more than a month in protest over its demolition, said: "We have scored a temporary victory.

"We just need to keep fighting the developer until it gives us something the community wants."

Whitefoot ward councillor Dan Houghton said: "I'm absolutely delighted they turned it down.

"We have great concern about the density of the application, which contravenes the council's UDP, and the loss of facilities.

"We need a mixed-use development which is in character with the area, including more affordable flats and perhaps a pub too."

Catford Southend Residents' Association secretary John Grosvenor said: "I'm pleased the council has supported residents in their wish to preserve an historical landmark and nature of the area. We have won half the battle."

At the time of going to press, Renewal Beckenham was unavailable for comment.