A historic home which once housed a cannabis factory and was partially destroyed by arsonists has been saved after plans to build flats on the site were turned down by Redbridge Council

The Cottage, Broomhill Walk, Woodford Green, was subject to a SIXTH application to tear down the derelict building and build two four-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments in its place.

But a fierce Guardian-backed campaign was launched by residents who considered the plans out of keeping with the surrounding conservation area.

This is the latest incident in the chequered history of the building which was raided by armed police who discovered a cannabis factory within in March last year and then caught fire in 'suspicious' circumstances three months later.

Retired banker Nisar Rais lives next door to the four-bedroom house and called emergency services when he first spotted the June fire.

The father-of-two said: “We are very pleased about this and agree with all of the eight reasons listed by the council. We want to see the house completely refurbished to its former glory.

“The developer can then sell it or rent it out. However, I have no idea what he has planned for the site.”

Church End ward Cllr Richard Hoskins said he as “delighted” by the news.

He said: “It's a key site in the conservation area and if the Cottage went it would be a major break in the whole landscape of the Green.

“It was turned down by officers but I'm sure that if it came to committee it would have been turned down there as well.

“If the developer was to come forward with plans to restore the house or rebuild another house on the site then I'm sure that would be more acceptable to neighbouring residents than flats.”

A statement by Redbridge Council deemed the proposals an inappropriate demolition, providing too little amenity space, with inconsistent plans and over development.

It also criticised insufficient cycle parking, landscape detail, carbon dioxide emission provision and education, healthcare and transport contribution.

No one from J and N Property Developers, which owns the site, was available for comment.