Residents of two historic Streatham streets are celebrating after a property heavyweight failed in its bid to build a “concrete eyesore” between them.

Residents of Wavertree and Daysbrook roads - many who live in homes dating back to the turn of the 20th century - had angrily objected to Barratt Homes’s plan to build four-storey apartment blocks there.

They said the 26 flat development was totally out of keeping with the area and there was insufficient parking for the dozens of extra cars it would bring.

They also feared the increased volume of traffic would threaten the safety of young children crossing the road from nearby Streatham and Clapham High School.

They organised petitions and attended a council planning meeting en masse to vent their concerns.

To their delight, Lambeth Council rejected the original plans for the site, but when Barratt Homes appealed the decision many residents feared the worst.

“We didn’t think we had much of a chance at all,” said Wavertree resident Mandy Pulling. “They brought in their big shot lawyers, and we feared our objections would just be swallowed up.”

She added: “We were delighted when the decision came out - It was real triumph for the small standing up against the big.”

At the four day appeal hearing at the end of May, Lambeth Council’s lawyers defended the planning committee’s decision to reject the original planning application.

The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal on July 18.

“We are delighted it saw sense,” said Ms Pulling. “The development was an ugly edifice - a concrete monstrosity.”

Philip Smith, 29, from Wavertree Road, said he wanted to thank local ward councillors Jeremy Clyne, June Fewtrell and Ashley Lumsden, along with MP Keith Hill for their support.

Barratt Homes declined to comment on the result and whether the property giant would appeal again.