Councillors have deferred a decision on plans to demolish the Clipper pub in Rotherhithe Street and replace it with a four-storey block of flats .

Planning officer David Cliff told the committee that the current pub building did have “townscape merit” but there were no policy grounds to demand its retention.

The committee heard from nearby residents concerned about the impact of the development on daylight and sunlight to their homes.

Andrew Large of the South East London branch of the Campaign for Real Ale also addressed the committee to argue that Rotherhithe has already lost many community (non-tourist) pubs and that – contrary to the planning officers’ assertion – the law does offer safeguards to protect pubs from demolition or conversion to other uses.

Architect Laurence Mineham said his proposal would provide “a high-quality and sustainable mixed-use development” with “much-needed new homes”.

He explained that planning officers had encouraged him to adopt a traditional design for the new flats reflecting the character of local wharves and warehouses.

Mr Mineham said that the existing Clipper building was an example of a ‘pattern book pub’ built to a standard brewery design.

Under questioning, Mr Mineham said that in his experience Enterprise Inns (previous owner of the Clipper) would not sell a pub if it was making money.

Cllr David Hubber said that when he was first elected in Surrey Docks ward there were 12 pubs but there are now five.

“It would be a great pity to see this building go, because it does have local value,” he said.

Cllr Hubber was also critical of the design of the new building which he said had been put together to ensure maximum profit for the developer.

At a midnight session of planning sub-committee B, councillors decided to put a decision on hold to allow them to make a site visit.

A final decision is likely to be made in the summer.