ONE of Wanstead's grandest streets has now become its most protected after strict new planning rules were brought into force to preserve its character.

Residents in Spratt Hall Road can no longer pave over their front gardens, add cladding to the front of their homes, or even replace windows, doors or roof tiles without planning permission after the council introduced a restrictive 'Article Four Direction.'

The street is the first in Wanstead to be covered by the direction, which prevents homeowners making any alterations without first proving that they would 'preserve or enhance' the look of the area.

The move has been welcomed by conservationists who complained that the road's Victorian splendour was not being adequately protected by its inclusion in the Wanstead Village Conservation area.

Andrew Wernick, of the Wanstead Society, said: "People don't realise how little protection in reality being part of a conservation area gives to a street.

"People were still able to make significant changes to their houses without planning permission, which was damaging the distinctive character of the road.

"Before this Article Four Direction came in people could even pebble dash the front of their house without permission, which is crazy.

"Sadly houses down the street have already had slate roofs replaced with concrete tiles and plastic windows and doors put in which is totally out of keeping with the area"

These views were backed by Spratt Hall Road resident David Whittingham.

He said: "This has been in the pipeline for the past three years so I'm pleased it's finally in place.

"It's great that people can't just make ugly changes any more."

The Wanstead Society has asked the council to consider bringing Article Four Directions into force in surrounding streets - including Fitzgerald Road, Church Path and Wanstead Place.

The direction is currently in place in seven roads across Redbridge.

Councillors will consider extending the direction to include part of Spratt Hall Road which is not currently covered by the rules - at a regulatory committee meeting next Tuesday.