The derelict 19th-century pub The Who’d a Thought It in Plumstead could be transformed into nine homes under a new planning application, the fourth in five years. If approved, construction would begin in December 2026 and take approximately 16 months, with completion expected in March 2028.
Fourth Application Submitted for Pub Site
The latest proposal, submitted by Goldenspark (Timber) Ltd, seeks to demolish the pub at 7 Timbercroft Lane entirely, replacing it with a mix of homes. Previous schemes were refused by Greenwich Council, which argued that the loss of the pub was not justified and that the locally listed building should be preserved.
The 2025 application, which was withdrawn, had proposed retaining the pub and building six dwellings. The new plan abandons that approach, with the applicant claiming there is “no realistic or viable prospect of the site continuing in public house use.”
Council Support in Principle
Planning documents reveal that after “extensive engagement” with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, including direct correspondence with the case officer, the council indicated that a fully residential scheme could be supported in principle. However, the applicant must provide a new viability assessment and marketing report to justify the loss of the pub.
The documents state: “The previous submission sought to retain a reduced public house use within a rationalised building footprint. Following extensive engagement with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, including direct correspondence with the case officer, the applicant has now reviewed the proposal in full. The council advised that a fully residential scheme could be supported in principle, provided that the loss of the public house use is properly justified through a new viability assessment and marketing report which reflects current marketing conditions.”
Historic Frontage Retained
Despite the demolition, the scheme will retain the pub’s historic frontage and reinstate its sign as a “clear heritage reference.” The pub, built around 1845, will be partially demolished, but three homes will be built within its curtilage.
Two additional structures are planned: one three-bedroom dwelling and a row of three terraced houses containing four one-bedroom flats and another three-bedroom unit. This brings the total to nine homes.
Timeline and Public Consultation
If planning permission is granted, construction is expected to start in December 2026, with completion in March 2028. The application (reference 24/3746/F) is available on Greenwich Council’s planning portal. Plumstead residents have until August 26, 2026, to comment on the project.
This is the fourth attempt in five years to redevelop the site, reflecting ongoing pressure to deliver new housing in the borough.
