RESIDENTS are claiming victory in a long-running dispute over plans for a large house close to their homes.

Dennis O’Brien has been attempting to secure permission for a three-bedroomed house on a plot behind his home in Pretoria Road, Chingford, since July last year.

He submitted a successful application to the council, but nearby residents formed an association to fight the plans.

They claimed the proposed building would block light to their homes and was not in-keeping with the surrounding area.

They then sought a judicial review of the planning committee’s decision and the High Court ordered the council to rethink its decision.

Permission was subsequently refused on the grounds that it would be “harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding street”.

Undeterred, Mr O’Brien appealed to the planning inspectorate in attempt to overturn this decision.

But a report published on September 20 concluded : “The proposal has a number of benefits.

“These include the fact that it amounts to the efficient use of land in a sustainable location. It would contribute to the housing stock of the borough and the dwelling would have a reasonably sized garden.

“Nevertheless, these and the other positive aspects of the scheme outlined by the appellant company neither alter nor outweigh the significant harm I have identified, even when considered collectively.”

Caroline Erics, of the Pentney Road Residents Association, said: “We feel really elated and we feel that justice has been done.

“It is very clear that the land is not the right place for any kind of building. Back gardens are not for building on.”

Another resident, Carol Elliot, 44, said: “I should hope this will be the end of it.”

“From my bathroom window why on earth would I want to see bricks and mortar.

“If the plans were approved we would end up having a concrete city.

“You shouldn't put something on every piece of land."

Mr O’Brien previously told the Guardian that he planned to sell the land after securing planning permission.