Residents campaigning for the reconstruction of a Sydenham pub have achieved a breakthrough after the developer prosecuted for illegally demolishing it revealed plans to rebuild it by April.

Lewisham Council’s head of planning John Miller shared Pure Lake’s timetable for rebuilding The Greyhound in Kirkdale on Wednesday.

In an email, Mr Miller said Pure Lake is in the process of submitting a schedule of works with the intention of completing the 18th century development by April next year.

Sydenham Society chair Annabel McLaren said: "The Sydenham Society was delighted to receive the news last Friday that the site owners intend to have rebuilt the Greyhound pub by April 2015.

“In our view it was the threat of legal action by Lewisham Council that brought about this swift turn of events and we look forward to work beginning on site."

The Greyhound closed in 2007 and was knocked down in 2012 leaving just the front wall intact, despite it being in a conservation area banning demolition without council consent.

Lewisham Council prosecuted and fined Pure Lake £5,000 and £13,000 in costs for unauthorised demolition last year.