Earlier today, Bromley Council confirmed that LiDL will be required to seek prior approval before demolition works can begin. 

As a result of this decision, the Council now has 8 weeks from receipt of LiDL’s Part 31 application (i.e. until 24th June) to examine  whether the proposed method of demolition and restoration is acceptable.  

In its Report, the Council concluded that:

"…The applicant has provided some limited information in relation to the method of demolition and restoration, although it is a concern that the initial method of restoration relied upon the construction of a food store for which no planning permission has yet been sought.

"In light of the information provided there is a possibility that the site could be vacant for some time. No permission exists for a replacement building, and given the prominent location of the site, the proximity of nearby residential properties and the relationship of the site with the highway network, and in order that the full implications can be considered, it is necessary that the prior approval of the Council for the method of demolition and restoration be required."

The decision follows months of hard campaigning to save the Porcupine by Mottingham’s residents and local politicians, all of which culminated in this week’s Parliamentary debate secured by Bob Neill MP.

Commenting on today’s decision, Bob said:

“I praise Bromley Council for its decision not to rubberstamp LiDL’s demolition job.

“LiDL may want to demolish first and ask questions later, but that is an incredibly irresponsible approach and our Council is right not to tolerate it.  

“This is by no means the end of our campaign and we must continue to explore every means of rescuing the Porcupine and winning back the heart of Mottingham village”  

Local Conservative Councillor, Charles Rideout, said:

“This is a wonderful result for local residents. It gives the Council valuable consideration time and allows local campaigners more time to organise objections. It may also make LiDL think again as they will have to wait a lot longer before taking any further action.

“Let us hope that the residents of Mottingham will soon be able to enjoy the building that they love as it should be enjoyed - as a pub!”

Liz Keable, Chair of Mottingham Residents’ Association, said:

“Today’s decision is the right one for Mottingham and is testament to the hard work of local residents, our Councillors and our Member of Parliament, Bob Neill.  The campaign to save the Porcupine goes on and the momentum is clearly beginning to swing in our direction.”

-       Ends - 

A copy of Bromley Council’s decision letter can be found below, alongside a copy of the accompanying Report.

Transcripts of Bob Neill’s Parliamentary debate can be found here.