Staff at a New Cross pub have said it “won’t be able to survive” if plans to convert its top floors into flats go ahead.

The White Hart on News Cross Road is known for its craft beer selection and live music nights.

According to a petition started by managers and brothers Patrick and Joseph Ryan, the pub’s late nights and music events will have to stop if the plan to develop the top floor is given the green light.

Freehold landlord The Wellington Pub Group has proposed converting the top two floors of the pub, which are currently a hotel, into four flats.

The planning statement proposes creating one two-bedroom flat and three one-bedroom flats.

It also proposes: “reconfiguration and retention of the existing public house at ground floor.”

According to the staff petition, the proposals will “make our business untenable.”

It claims the opening hours of the pub will be restricted to close at midnight, and amplified music will be prohibited.

Speaking to News Shopper, Patrick Ryan said 50 per cent of the pub's income is made from live music events and DJ nights.

When he and his brother took over the pub, they took the time to refurbish the site to "make it a lot more welcoming.

"We only serve craft beers. We opened up a kitchen and started supporting the community, putting on DJ nights with DJs from Goldsmiths and all over south east London."

Mr Ryan described The White Hart as "not a boozer, and not a cheap bar, but a quality pub."

The petition reads: “We have four nights of live music every week, with traditional Irish music and Jazz as well as local DJs until 3am every Friday and Saturday night.

“We started this project two and a half years ago in an effort to revive The White Hart as an exciting and valuable destination for the New Cross community, young and old.

“Combining a friendly family atmosphere in the day with a vibrant music venue at night, whilst serving the best local craft beer and food to South London.

“To have our pub threatened after so much hard work is painful, to say the least.”

News Shopper has contacted The Wellington Pub Group for comment.