Hopes for 'good old' Charlton pub to be restored after flats and Tesco plans rejected

Punters have called for a pub to be reopened after plans to turn the historic building into a Tesco and a block of flats were rejected.

The White Swan pub in Charlton, which closed in March 2020, is missed by residents - who want it back open as a pub "all the way" following unsuccessful planning applications to change its use.

Many south east Londoners agreed with the simple statement from resident Ian Lane on Facebook: "Re-open it as a pub".

Shane Watson said: "Should stay as a pub, far to many getting converted.

"Lost forever."

Another resident added: "That was a good ol' pub, too many venue pubs are closing down.

"There's plenty of shops in the village."

The White Swan, in 19th-century building formerly used as a cannabis factory, became a talking point when Mendoza Limited submitted plans to convert it into a Tesco and seven flats.

The proposal was turned down by the Planning Inspectorate, despite the company's appeal.

Planning documents from Jenkins Law, on behalf of Mendoza Limited, claimed that it was "unrealistic" for the building to continue functioning as a pub due to the "poor level" of local interest.

However, many Charlton resident have said that they miss having spaces like the White Swan "to socialise and have a laugh".

Brian Coya Raymond said: "I spent many a happy hour in there with my old mate Tony.

"Gone now bless him, I would love to see it open up again as a pub."

Other south east Londoners were concerned about the historic building staying intact.

Glenn Johnson said: "If it's a conversion and not a knock down & rebuild then I think it's fine as it maintains the original character."

Although the building's future remains uncertain, residents have made their preferences clear.

As Jak Sabbath suggested: "Ask what the community want."