Bulldozing a pub in Chelsfield will strip the community of a much-loved asset, regulars have warned.

A campaign dubbed Save The Chelsfield has been established to protect the much-loved Windsor Drive boozer from being redeveloped to feature a shop and flats.

More than 600 objections have been filed against proposals, submitted by Punch Taverns, to demolish and replace the 1930s pub.

‘Chelly’ regulars say the proposals would destroy the pub that binds their community together.

One of STC’s organisers, Bryan Gannon, of Spring Drive, has been drinking in The Chelsfield for nearly two decades.

“I knew a time when the pub wasn’t so good,” Mr Gannon said, “But right now it is the best it has been in 20 years. That’s because of the community.

“From people playing football to cricket, to amateur dramatic society or just friends, this pub is used as a place to meet by everybody because of its function room.

“It is a real community asset that binds us together. They’ll need to tear it down. We know for a fact that when these things disappear people go their separate ways. The clubs will go somewhere else.

“I’m not saying they’ll disappear, but they’ll need to find somewhere else and the community feeling we have now will be lost forever.”

Save The Chelsfield has gained a loyal following on social media with, at the time of writing, 970 people backing the cause.

Campaigners say the large pub is central to their community, and the large 1930s building is too precious to tear down.

“We’ve had such a turnout of support from our local community its unreal. A lot of people have taken time out to get involved with the campaign,” Mr Gannon said.

The campaign, which is being led by a dozen regulars at the boozer, has also had endorsement from local councillors.

Cllr Angela Page said: “My ward colleagues and I are in total support of the campaign to Save The Chelsfield.

“We are actively working with residents in opposing the application that has been submitted to demolish this community pub and replace it with a development that is totally out of character and detrimental to its surroundings.”

If the scheme is given the go-ahead, Punch Partnerships will tear down the pub and replace it with a new boozer, ten flats and a shop.

A Punch spokesperson: “We are seeking planning permission to complete a major redevelopment of The Chelsfield and this is ongoing where individuals are able to make representatives in respect to the application.

“We believe that the new pub proposed will be a great addition and serve the whole community all year round.”

No decision on the application has been made, with experts at the council currently weighing up proposals.