A pretty neo-Georgian former convent building has been saved from the bulldozers.

Plans to demolish the 1930s convent in Goresbrook Road, Dagenham, and build 20 new homes were refused by the council’s development control board on Monday.

A report, put before the board, said the building should be saved because it was a “prominent local landmark” and a “good and rare local example of an early 20th Century neo-Georgian institutional building [which] positively contributes to the character and appearance of the area”.

This view was echoed by a number of residents living in the area, who objected to the demolition plans and presented a petition with 23 signatures to the authority.

Developers Croudace Partnerships had hoped to build 20 two-storey homes, along with a new access road, car parking and landscaping.

The owners of the convent, Trustees of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, no-longer use the building and are looking to sell it.

English Heritage agreed the building was a local landmark and advised the authority to consider refusing applications to knock it down.

The council said it hoped the building would be used as a centre for the community or an educational facility and not for residential purposes.

Were you one of the residents who signed the petition? Please call 020 8477 3893 or email postnewsdesk@archant.co.uk.