A KEY battle in the campaign to save two historic houses from being demolished and turned into flats has been won by residents.

Redbridge Council turned down planning applications to build flats at 5 Bedford Road in South Woodford and 6 Broomhill Walk in Woodford Green after local people bombarded councillors with letters, petitions and protests, claiming the developments would ruin the unique character of the areas.

Sue Brown lives just feet away from the proposed development of the historic house in Bedford Road, and has been spearheading the campaign to save it.

She said: "Obviously we're delighted that the plans have been rejected for now, but we don't know if they'll appeal or not.

"This is quite a populated area already, and we feel the flats would spoil its history.

"There was an amazing amount of support for the campaigns and we will keep fighting it until the very end."

Council officers turned down plans for the 12 flats in Bedford Road on grounds of excessive density, lack of amenities and space, the effect on the character of the neighbourhood and a lack of parking.

Rais Nisar lives next door to the planned development site in Broomhill Walk and has been taking a key role in the protests there.

He said: "This is an extremely nice area and I think we should all be fighting to keep it like this for public enjoyment.

"Twenty five people, not only residents but people who use the walk, helped us by writing letters and making objections and it was amazing how much support we got."

Neighbour Ken Ferguson, who also joined the fight to save 6 Broomhill Walk, said the articles in the Guardian helped to drum up local support against other proposed developments, such as Chepstow House in Leicester Road, Wanstead, and two houses in Whitehall Road, Woodford Green.

He added: "The local support was very good and the Guardian article helped to raise a lot of old fire in my belly and in others.

"These are developments that everyone should be fighting against."