The gallery was a sea of smiling faces as Redbridge Planning Committee rejected an application for a 12 storey development in Newbury Park.

The Seven Kings and Newbury Park Residents Association (SKNPRA) have been campaigning tirelessly to stop the demolition of The Avenue pub, Eastern Avenue, and said the residential complex proposed for the site was too high.

Speaking at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford, a representative from the residents association said that the building was not fit for the area.

“It would be a blot on the landscape with no architectural quality,” he said.

The applicant’s agent, Kieran Rush said the application was a “unique offering” to help with affordable housing and that his company had arranged for the pub to relocate to a premises around the corner so residents could still have a drink.

“We have made 50 percent of the larger houses at affordable rents and have listened to residents and reduced the height of the building,” he said.

“The development will provide 15pc of the Greater London Authority housing target for the borough.”

65 parking spaces would be allocated to families in the complex and councillors voiced concerns over traffic problems arising in an area which is already under “high Stress”.

Cllr Deakins also raised worries over parts of the building not having a lift.

Ward councillors Dev Sharma and Elaine Norman presented a joint statement against the development arguing that the complex would have too high a density.

“The 177 flats could accommodate 500 people,” they said.

“Its absolutely unacceptable”

Four members of the committee voted for the development, and six against.

Speaking after the meeting, resident Paul Scott said he was happy with the decision.

“It shows the council really listened to what we had to say about it.”