Wetherspoon’s has been given the greenlight to reopen an empty pub close to a Nazi bombing site overlooking Crystal Palace Park.

Music lovers once flocked to the Grape and the Grain in Anerley Hill, a pub renowned for its gig scene.

The boozer closed down in 2017 to the disappointment of locals – but plans to breathe new life into the pub have now been ticked off.

Councillors approved plans put forward by the pub giants at a meeting last week.

Wetherspoon’s said it will be extending the pub to fill gaps left by Nazi bombings during World War 2.

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The chain said in a statement: “The proposal will reopen and revitalise a pub in a prominent position in Crystal palace.

“By extensively extending the pub, the extension will fill an unsightly gap in the street frontage left by a bombing in WW2. Is believed to be a positive step for the site and the area as whole.”

The boozer would be extended to fill a gap left in Church Road, and offer three floors of pub space, with a terrace overlooking Crystal Palace Park on the third storey.

In a report to councillors, officers said: “The proposed development maximises opportunities for enhancement and improvement within the Crystal Palace Renewal Area.

“It is considered that the development proposed will retain the vitality and viability of this section of the town centre, would have a high quality design and would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.”

Councillors approved the plans subject to conditions on the new building.