Fans of Millwall Football club have launched a petition to stop the sale of land around its stadium to property developers.

Peter Garston, a Millwall supporter for 45 years and a member of the club’s board, set up the Defend Our Den campaign to urge Lewisham Council to stop the sale of land around the New Den stadium.

Lewisham Council wanted to obtain Compulsory Purchase Orders so it could forcibly take back the leased land around the stadium and the Lion Centres and sell it to property developer Renewal.

However, after a successful campaign, the proposals were put aside for two years, but Peter said the council was looking to go for it again.

“The Club was informed last month that Lewisham Council was going to consider the CPOs at a meeting of the Lewisham Mayor and Cabinet on 17th February,” said Peter.

“The final CPO documents were only made public six days ago.

“Since then, the Club and its lawyers have been poring over them and developing its response.

“Lewisham’s Mayor and Cabinet will seek Compulsory Purchase Orders to take the land around the stadium currently leased to Millwall and the Millwall Community Trust and sell it to Renewal.”

John Berylson, Chairman of Millwall FC, wrote to Lewisham Council outlining the club’s opposition to the development as it would like to be a participant in the regeneration of New Bermondsey and not just an onlooker.

“I therefore call on the Cabinet to reject this CPO proposal and engage constructively with Millwall so that we can work together in delivering this important regeneration project,” said John.

“At the very least, I suggest we be given the opportunity to present our proposals formally to the Council so that we can demonstrate the viability of our plans for the area adjoining our stadium.”

Millwall has currently outlined a scheme with the existing planning approvals which can deliver almost 400 new homes and improved facilities for local businesses.

Lewisham Council were contacted for comment but had yet to respond by time of publication.