Lewisham Council has delayed its decision over the future of land around Millwall stadium, as the campaign to save the club receives a boost from footballing legend Gary Lineker.

Last night cabinet members were expected to make a decision over whether to use compulsory purchase order to buy the land surrounding Millwall’s stadium and sell it on to property developer Renewal.

But the controversial decision has been postponed due to a legal challenge.

Lions fans gathered outside the town hall in Catford last night in opposition to the plans.

Millwall chief executive Andy Ambler, who was present at the cabinet meeting, said he was “delighted” with the decision to postpone.

Mr Ambler thanked the fans for their support, but said the club is “under no illusion” that the battle is over.

He said: “We would like to thank the 15,000 people who signed the Defend Our Den petition to stop land leased to the Club being taken from us, as well as our local MP Vicky Foxcroft, who publicly called for the deferral.

“There is no doubt that the strength of support we received from across the football family has been noted by the Council.”

The campaign sparked an online petition gaining more than 15,000 signatures, after chairman John Berylson wrote an open letter to the council which was posted online.

In his letter Mr Berylson said the council’s actions will decide the future of the club and the Millwall Community Trust.

He wrote: “While we continue to fight every week to return to the Championship, off the pitch we face a challenge which threatens the club’s very survival.”

The campaign has received widespread support from the footballing world, with former England player Lineker tweeting: “Defending the Den is vital for the football club and local community.”

New Cross councillor Joe Dromey will present the campaign’s petition at the next Lewisham full council meeting on Wednesday, February 24.

He said despite the growing housing crisis in the capital, any development needs to benefit the community and protect the future of Millwall.

Cllr Dromey told News Shopper: “As a councillor for the area covering the New Den, I want to ensure that Millwall has a sustainable future in Lewisham.

“I hope that the developers and the football club can use this window of opportunity to get back around the table and come to an agreement that works for both sides.”

The land at risk of CPO includes the fans’ memorial garden, a car park and the site of the Millwall Community Trust.

News Shopper: Club owner John Berylson

Chairman John Berylson wrote an open letter to Lewisham Council.

In March 2012 the council granted Renewal outline planning permission of the site for mixed use development comprising up to 2,400 homes, hotels, businesses, shops and leisure facilities.

Mark Taylor, director at Renewal, said: “The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process, which is governed by a strict legal framework, is an important step forward in the delivery of the New Bermondsey scheme.

“The process is a necessary step in order to deliver 2,400 new homes for Lewisham – within the New Bermondsey Housing Zone – as well as a range of other benefits including a new Overground Station and community facilities for this part of inner London.”