An important piece of local heritage has been saved after a long battle.

Cheam Lodge, the 19th century entry to Cheam Park House, needed renovation and had been unused since 2003.

Cheam Park House was damaged by a bomb during the Second World War and demolished soon after, but the lodge survived.

There have been multiple proposals for the lodge including a base for police safer neighbourhood team on which the Council spent £220,000 in 2009.

But the police had a change of heart after disagreements with English Heritage who insisted the Lodge be used for residential purposes only. The Council then decided the inside of the building would be prepared for residential use.

Later this month, the Grade II listed building will provide a permanent home to council gardener Alan Shuttle and his family.

Councillor John Drage, executive member for finance and efficiency, said: “The Lodge is an incredibly important piece of local heritage and I’m delighted it’s been returned to its former glory.”

“We’ve had to overcome some highly complex legal issues around the lease and the tenancy agreement but it has all been worthwhile. The Lodge is one of the jewels in Cheam’s crown and it’s excellent news that it is once again an asset to our community.

“Having Alan and his family on site will also make the park even safer and provides a secure future for the property.”