Did you know that the UK is still the number one location in the world in terms of the number of pubs we have? Even after decades of decline, from over 75,000 in the 70s to less than 45,000 today, the local pub is still a vital part of our culture. Sadly though, we’re still losing many of them. That could be the case for the Anglesea Arms in Woolwich, although plans have failed to get permission twice. Let’s have a look, then you can rely on us if you need estate management in Greenwich or other services like guaranteed rent.
A historic pub
The Anglesea Arms has a very long history, dating back almost 180 years. It was a vital part of the Woolwich community for decades. In fact, the building itself has a local listing to preserve it.
Sadly, the pub closed early in 2025. The owners said it was not viable to keep it open. Since then it has been empty of regulars and became a squat before squatters were removed in August 2025.
Ultimately, the owners presented plans to demolish the building and replace it with a new mixed use development. The proposal was to create a four storey property, double the height of the current property. It would have a commercial/community unit and seven flats. Speak to us about estate management in Greenwich and more.
Rejections
Interestingly, Greenwich Council has not been receptive to the plans for the Anglesea Arms. They have given rejections to two rounds of plans, firstly in April 2025 and earlier this month.
Commenting on the first application, the council was critical of a lack of information in the plans. Notably, they said the documents did not include sufficient details to prove that keeping the pub open was not financially viable. The local authority did not feel there was enough info about this in the second round of plans either.
Another bone of contention was regarding the structural condition of the property. The applicant has provided details to support the call for demolition, but the council said key information about the structural integrity of the property is missing. As a result, they cannot conclude definitively if the building is sound or unsafe. Speak to us about estate management in Greenwich.
What next?
It will be interesting to see what happens next with the plans for the pub. Crucially, there is plenty of support from locals to retain the current building. In fact, there were 79 objections to the latest plans. Some objectors shared the council’s concerns, saying they feel the current owners have not done enough to keep the Anglesea Arms open.
Thinking about estate management in Greenwich?
London is a really interesting area for investors, especially popular spots like Greenwich. Finefair Ltd is proud to help, offering some of the most flexible services in the city. Most importantly, we work with local councils to offer guaranteed rent and property management. On top of that, we help with HMOs and more.
We’re happy to answer questions about any topic, including estate management in Greenwich and more. So, get in touch if you want to explore services with us.
