Plans to demolish a listed building to make way for Crossrail - branded "pure vandalism" - have been dropped by the developer after a public outcry.

Berkeley Homes had wanted to bulldoze a Grade II listed former officers' quarters on the Royal Arsenal to make room for taxis in a new square beside the Crossrail station.

But, following opposition from residents, councillors and English Heritage, the developer said it was now seeking a "revised solution" and was withdrawing its application.

The station is due to open in 2018, and the company had claimed the square was needed to handle disabled access, cycle parking, taxis and drop-off points for an estimated 15 million passengers a year.

Divisional Chairman of Berkeley Karl Whiteman explained: "We genuinely felt that the needs of future Crossrail passengers and residents of the Royal Arsenal would be best served by creating a new public square, even though that meant removal of a listed building.

"However following extensive consultation we have listened to all the feedback and decided to withdraw the current proposals. 

"Berkeley, the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Crossrail, TFL, GLA and English Heritage now need to continue working together and deliver an alternative solution that meets the demands of future passengers whilst protecting the local community."