RESIDENTS have fought off an application to demolish a 130-year-old Victorian house for the fifth time.

Councillors voted against proposals to turn Bedford House in Bedford Road, South Woodford into flats on January 13,, following a presentation from people living nearby.

They highlighted problems the proposed block of eight flats would cause, including parking, lack of amenity space and density issues.

Neighbour Sue Brown said: “We gave technical details as opposed to saying how lovely the area is, and I think it was well received.

“This is another big win for us and it is clear that councillors on the regulatory committee understand our concerns.

“We were particularly pleased that the bid was canned despite it being recommended by the council’s planning department.”

More than 50 letters of objection were sent to the council after the latest bid, which came under fire for only including room for two parking spaces.

The wrangle has been going on since 2008 and residents have been supported by Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith, who has insisted it is vital to protect the character of the area.

A spokesman for developer LJ Construction said an appeal would be lodged against the decision and that the company “would not be going anywhere”.

Mrs Brown said: “I would like to see the property sold as a family home but if not then I hope we could work together and come to a compromise.

“I’ve seen other planning disputes settled this way but we have had no contact from the company so far.”