A campaigner has launched a petition to prevent 820 homes being built on the edge of a park over fears the green space in the area will be “threatened” by the plans.

Harrow Council is currently consulting the public about a “new community” comprised of updated leisure facilities in Byron Park, Wealdstone.

The Byron Quarter development plan includes building 10 and eight-storey blocks of flats, which will be designed by architects Karakusevic Carso, as well as increasing the sports hall with two squash courts and a climbing wall.

READ MORE: Neighbour concerned plans to build 10 storey flats in park will be 'detrimental' to area

However, Irene Wears, a member of Campaign For A Better Harrow Environment who lives in Whitehall Road, Harrow On The Hill, fears the park will be “under threat” by the development.

She has started a petition called Hands Off Byron Recreation Ground in a bid to ensure the park will not be “lost” by the development.

Ms Wears said: “New blocks of flats and other housing are going up and empty offices are being converted to flats everywhere in Harrow, especially in the town centre and in Wealdstone.

“Now our green spaces are coming under threat - and it’s starting in Wealdstone in the Byron Quarter. A new estate of 820 homes is to be built on the site of the present leisure centre, car park and the old driving practice area.

“To relocate the leisure centre and other facilities in that area, part of the Byron Recreation Ground is to be lost. This is the only decent sized public green space for the growing population of Wealdstone. What we really need is a bigger park, not a smaller one.”

Last week, cllr Keith Ferry, cabinet member for business, planning and regeneration at Harrow Council, said: “We treasure Harrow's parks and greens paces and a beautiful and enhanced Byron Rec is at the heart of our Byron quarter plans.

"We're talking to thousands of neighbours, users and sports people about what they want and need and for their views and ideas as we design a vibrant new community around truly 21st century public leisure facilities.”

The consultation will close on July 31. To find out more or to respond, visit: consult.harrow.gov.uk/consult.ti/ByronQuarterConsultation/consultationHome

To sign the petition, visit: 38degrees.org.uk/petitions/hands-off-byron-recreation-ground