RESIDENTS have vowed to take their fight to the High Court after a developer was given the go-ahead to build nine flats in their quiet street, despite evidence that it would massively increase flooding.

Protestors, living on the Hill Farm Estate in Woodford Green, this week heard the disappointing news that despite their best efforts, plans to build a complex of apartments on the corner of Westview Drive and Portman Drive will go ahead.

An original application for 14 flats and revised plans for nine were initially turned down when residents joined together, submitting an 150 signature petition and bombarding Redbridge Council with letters.

But the land, which was underwater when the River Roding burst its banks last February and in 2000, will shortly be transformed into a modern complex with two underground car parks.

Clive Ames, 42, has lived in Portman Drive since he was a child.

He said: "In 2000 there was major flooding here with raw sewage coming out of the ground, but this has been overlooked.

"I've lived here for 30 years and I know all about the flooding, but I moved just four doors down from my parents because it's nice and quiet.

"I'm a London cab driver and I work nights and sleep in the day but we are going to have to endure months of noisey building work and lorries charging up and down the street."

Aliza Tinn, also of Portman drive, added: "We were so angry when we found out - it's just ridiculous.

"Slowly everyone is starting to find out and there's going to be uproar.

"All the trees and being cut down and there will be nothing to soak up the water and the design doesn't fit with the look of the street.

"We want to take it to the High Court because it's something that we feel really strongly about.

"We're not going to let them get away with this."

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said: "This case was refused by the Council on the grounds that it would be an over intensive and intrusive development. "The applicant appealled to the Planning Inspectorate and an informal hearing on the case was heard in March.

The Planning Inspectorate has now issued their decision and have allowed the appeal , granting planning permission for the development of 9 flats. "Issues relating to parking in the area and flooding were raised during the hearing and have been considered as part of the Inspector's decision on the case."