Scroll down to see inside the house.

The future of a historic Victorian house looks to have been secured as the new owner today stated his intention to save it from demolition.

Adam Draper, a property lawyer and partner at Richard Pearlman LLP, met with campaigners today after paying £1.15million earlier this year for Bedford House, in Bedford Road, South Woodford.

The previous owner, Lee Jose, was given permission by Redbridge council planners to demolish the house and build a block of seven flats in 2013, but he fought for two more years and ultimately failed to get permission for an extra storey and two more flats due to it being out of keeping with the area.

Mr Draper, a 48-year-old who lives in Notting Hill, said he was motivated by the historic nature of the house and is planning to sell it on with a restricted covenant clause attached, which would forbid the building from being demolished.

He said: “Quite simply I liked the house from the first moment I saw it and I love the area, I am not looking for profit I just want to save this historic Victorian house.

“I would love to sell it as one house but I am also working with an architect to make it two semi-detached properties, all while retaining the front façade.

“It is clear to everyone who has half a brain that this house should not be demolished, this is the first time I have attempted something like this but I am confident I have the experience and knowhow to achieve it.”

The house is currently on the market as a single four-bedroom property with Haart estate agents for £1.25m.

But Mr Draper has also hired an architect to draw up plans to convert the building, while maintaining the front façade, into two houses and building a further two properties by demolishing the garage to the rear of the house.

Sue Brown lives next door to the property and in February last year the previous owner, Lee Jose, had attempted to gain a precedence for his plan for a four-storey block of flats by submitting a planning application to knock down her house.

This was rejected by Redbridge council later in the year due again to it being out of keeping with the area.

She said: “We have been fighting the demolition for seven years and I am delighted the house could be saved.

“It is nice to be working with an owner who listens to us and there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel.

“There is a long way to go but I am confident it can be achieved.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Sue Brown, who lives next door, with new owner Adam Draper.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

One of the bedrooms of Bedford House.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The living room in Bedford House.