The future of a historic South London pub hangs in the balance once more, as its owner returns with fresh proposals to demolish the 176-year-old building and replace it with residential flats.
New Application Submitted After Previous Refusal
The owner of the derelict Anglesea Arms in Woolwich town centre has submitted a new planning application to Greenwich Council, seeking permission to knock down the pub and construct seven flats alongside a commercial unit at 91 Woolwich New Road. This comes after similar plans were refused by the council last April, with officials citing insufficient information to prove the pub was no longer commercially viable.
Damage from Squatters and Safety Concerns Cited
Planning documents submitted by owner Dharmesh Shah in December claim the pub has become structurally compromised following occupation by squatters in 2025. The application states the building contains a hazardous electrical installation that poses a significant arson risk, making restoration impractical.
"Following these events, the site is now unkept, and the application is for the demolition of the building in order to restore the structure," the planning documents explain. "The structure is severely damaged from the squatters and is not in a state to be restored but to be demolished."
Police removed squatters from the site last August, after which the building was secured by emergency contractors and Greenwich Council's building control team.
Community Opposition and Historic Significance
The Anglesea Arms had been serving beer to customers since 1850 before closing permanently in January last year. When previous demolition plans were considered, councillors and ten objecting residents opposed the loss of what they described as "an important social community asset" for Woolwich.
The pub holds local listed status, adding to its historical significance in the area. The community valued it not just as a drinking establishment but as a social hub that had served generations of Woolwich residents.
Owner's Legal Action Consideration
In a notable development, planning documents reveal the pub owner is considering taking legal action against Greenwich Council to recoup money he claims was used "to cover the council's expenses related to this dangerous structure." The matter is reportedly being handled by the council's debt team, though no further details about the potential legal action are provided in the application.
Proposed Replacement and Community Space
Similar to the previous refused application, the new proposal includes a "hip and vibrant" commercial unit that the owner hopes will compensate for the loss of the pub by providing an alternative social space for the Woolwich community. This commercial unit would occupy both the ground floor and basement level of the new development.
The owner argues that this commercial element, combined with the seven new flats, represents the best way forward for the site given the current condition of the building and safety concerns.
Public Consultation Period Open
Residents and interested parties have until February 18 to submit comments on the Anglesea Arms proposal through Greenwich Council's planning portal. The council will consider both the structural arguments presented by the owner and the community's attachment to this historic local landmark before making a decision.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between preserving historical community assets and addressing practical safety concerns while meeting housing needs in London's developing neighbourhoods.
