A HISTORIC building at the centre of an ongoing row over its preservation is set to undergo major redevelopment after planning permission was granted.

The Victorian villa, in Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, had already been saved from demolition in late 2008 and will now be completely refurbished instead.

Plans were put before the council last night (Tuesday) by architects Clague, on behalf of AG Property, who put forward the original scheme for its demolition.

The new scheme includes converting the house into five flats while maintaining its external features as well as building two new houses and was approved by planners and officers.

Another building adjacent to the house will also be converted into a three-bedroom house.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Edwin Northover, who helped with the original campaign to save the house, said: “The current proposals for the houses themselves, if conditions are met, will keep the buildings in a good state and turn them into something akin to what they were.”

But some local residents still voiced opposition to the new development and a petition with 29 signatures was submitted to the council ahead of the planning meeting.

Their concerns included loss of privacy as well as the fact the new houses would not be in keeping with buildings already in nearby Chadwick Road.

Cllr Bob Wheatley added: “I’m very sorry the council didn’t mention the people who will be left with nowhere to live – 12 bedsits will be emptied.”

But his concerns were overruled and permission was granted.

Members of the Forest Residents Association (FORA) were strongly opposed to the original plans from developers AG Property, which included replacing the house with 14 flats.

Cllr Marie Pye, who was also heavily involved in the campaign, said: “The whole point was to save what’s really a local landmark.

“I’m really pleased to see this application come through.”

The house, described as ‘iconic’ by campaigners working to save it, has been placed on a list of buildings with historic and architectural interest in the borough.

It will now be preserved and only minor remodelling work will be carried out.