A Plumstead pub could disappear entirely after a developer submitted its fourth planning application in five years for the site.

The Who’d A Thought It on Timbercroft Lane could be partially demolished and replaced with two houses and seven flats.

Past schemes have been refused by Greenwich Council because planners did not believe the loss of the pub was justified and they did not want to see the locally-listed building demolished.

The previous proposal, which was withdrawn last year, sought to retain the public house, which dates back to 1845, and build six homes. 

But the new plan aims to remove the pub entirely as the applicant Goldenspark (Timber) Ltd claims there is “no realistic or viable prospect of the site continuing in public house use”. 

According to the Campaign for Real Ale, the pub closed earlier this year, although The Greenwich Wire has been told that drinkers still use the bar. The building is listed as being up for sale for nearly £1 million.

Planning documents state: “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.”

The’s pub’s historic frontage would stay and its sign would be reinstated as a “clear heritage reference”.

Five Idlers of Plumstead Common postcard
Three of the five Idlers still exist as pubs: the Woodman later became a restaurant.

The Who’d A Thought It has historic links with Arsenal Football Club. It was once owned by Jock Craib, a chairman of the club when it was known as Woolwich Arsenal and played in Plumstead. 

The Who’d A Thought It was historically known as one of the Five Idlers of Plumstead Common – three survive as pubs. They featured on postcards with the rhyme: “The Star which doesn’t shine in the sky, the Woodman who doesn’t cut down trees, the Ship that cannot sail the seas, the Mill which doesn’t grind corn, and Who’d a Thought it!”

Residents can see more and comment on the Greenwich Council planning website.

Amended soon after publishing as it appears to the pub may not be closed after all.

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