More than 200 people oppose plans to replace pub with new Lidl supermarket

More than 200 people have protested about plans to demolish a pub and replace it with a Lidl.

But town hall officers say the Mottingham pub the Porcupine should be replaced with a supermarket.

The pub closed in 2013, with new owners Lidl trying to have the site redeveloped the following year.

Bromley council rejected the plan and a Government inspector backed that decision at Lidl’s subsequent appeal on the grounds it would create a traffic risk.

But the supermarket giant submitted a revised plan for the site last year, with town hall officers saying a plan to create new access solved that issue.

The new plans will be debated by councillors on Tuesday, but so far 247 people have opposed the plans, with just 56 in favour.

The plan has also been opposed by Bromley and Chislehurst MP Bob Neill, as well as councillors from both Greenwich and Bromley.

The two ward members for Mottingham and Chislehurst North, Councillors David Cartwright and Will Rowlands, both said a supermarket would bring more traffic to an area they said already had a “problem”, especially in rush hour.

“Traffic in Mottingham village is already a problem, in particular during rush hours and school pick-up/drop-off times,” Cllr Rowlands wrote.

“There are often traffic queues from Eltham College to the west of the war memorial and to the A20 traffic lights at the eastern end of Court Road. Any increase in either parking or delivery will significantly increase these
problems.”

Neighbouring councillors from the borough of Greenwich also added their concerns regarding traffic surrounding the site.

But planners state the proposed development would positively contribute to the “vitality and viability” of Mottingham, and bring a derelict site back into use.

The site was included on the council’s assets of community value but that expired in 2018.

The council said the site was put up for sale in 2016 and local community groups had the chance to buy it, but none did so.

An independent consultant’s report also said the site wasn’t viable as a pub.

In addition, the council will pursue a £5,000 financial contribution to review and amend a traffic waiting restriction in the area, while Lidl could also be made to improve a pedestrian crossing and realign a footpath near the site.

Lidl has been contacted for additional comment.

Pictured is the Porcupine pub and an artist’s impression of what the new Lidl could look like