- Formal planning proposals have been submitted to Bexley Council to convert the former Albany Pet Shop at 46 Steynton Avenue, Bexley, into a micropub.
- The proposed hospitality venue is set to be named Steynton 46.
- Architectural alterations outlined in the application include installing a new shopfront fitted with bi-folding doors, adding two retractable awnings, and establishing an outside seating area.
- Albany Pet Shop permanently ceased trading on 15 September 2026, describing its time serving the local community as “an honour”.
- Bexley Council is expected to reach a formal decision on the change-of-use application by 30 December 2026.
Bexley (South London News) November 13, 2026 – A new micropub could soon open at a former pet shop in Bexley if planning proposals submitted to the local authority are approved.
As reported by Charlotte Anderson of News Shopper, formal applications have been lodged with Bexley Council seeking permission to change the use of the former Albany Pet Shop, situated at 46 Steynton Avenue, into a micropub operating under the name Steynton 46.
What Changes Are Proposed for the Steynton Avenue Site?
According to the planning documents filed with Bexley Council, the redevelopment of the commercial unit involves both structural alterations to the facade and the creation of external hospitality space. As reported by Charlotte Anderson of News Shopper, the plans include the installation of a new shopfront featuring bi-folding doors, alongside two retractable awnings and a newly designated outside seating area for patrons.
The site, located at 46 Steynton Avenue in the DA5 postcode area near Albany Park railway station, has stood vacant since the autumn. Bexley Council’s planning department is currently reviewing the submission and is expected to issue a formal determination on the application by 30 December 2026.
Background: When Did Albany Pet Shop Close?
The premises at 46 Steynton Avenue previously operated as Albany Pet Shop, an independent retail business serving pet owners in the Albany Park and wider Bexley area of south-east London. Earlier in 2026, the business announced it would be shutting its doors for good.
As reported by Charlotte Anderson of News Shopper, Albany Pet Shop permanently closed on 15 September, with the business stating at the time that its period serving the local community had been “an honour”. Following its closure, the retail unit became available for alternative commercial use, leading to the current change-of-use proposal to bring a small-scale drinking establishment to the neighbourhood parade.
Prediction: How Could Steynton 46 Affect Bexley Residents and Local Businesses?
If Bexley Council grants planning permission by the 30 December target date, the conversion of 46 Steynton Avenue into Steynton 46 will directly reshape the evening and weekend footfall along this section of Steynton Avenue for local residents, commuters, and neighbouring traders.
For residents living in the immediate residential streets surrounding Steynton Avenue and Albany Park station, the introduction of a micropub with bi-folding doors and an outside seating area provides a new, walkable social venue without the need to travel into Bexleyheath, Sidcup, or central London. At the same time, nearby households may monitor how the outdoor seating arrangement and evening operating hours are managed in relation to street noise and pavement space.
For neighbouring businesses on the Steynton Avenue parade—which includes convenience stores, takeaways, and local restaurants—the replacement of a vacant retail unit with an active hospitality venue could help maintain daytime and early evening footfall, particularly among commuters returning through Albany Park railway station. Conversely, existing food and drink operators in the immediate vicinity may experience increased competition for local leisure spending once the venue opens.
