More than 25,000 people have signed a petition calling on the council to block plans for a development that could leave a family of badgers homeless.  

The petition was launched two months ago and criticises plans to build 46 flats across four blocks in Harrow’s Pinner Road along a slim strip of land next to the Metropolitan line. 

Campaigners have urged people to “save the badgers” following fears that building on this site could destroy their habitat and drive them on to nearby roads. 

The petition claims: “This will cause complete destruction of the woodland which is home to a family of badgers and other animals and a plethora of flora and fauna, which include protected trees. Let’s get this piece of woodland protected.”

Read more: Campaigners fear for badgers if plans for flats go ahead

It has captured the attention of wildlife lovers across the country, with comments on Harrow Council’s planning portal coming from people living in places including Bath, Swansea and Liverpool.

At the same time, many of those opposing the plans are local and are concerned about Harrow losing more of its green spaces. 

Objector Amanda Smith said the borough is “turning into a concrete jungle” and urged the council to “leave this land alone”. 

Fellow objector Angela Lobo said it would leave people being crammed in “like sardine tins” and that it was vital to “protect what is left”. 

Harrow Green Party member and former parliamentary candidate Emma Wallace said the development would have a clear negative impact on the area.

She said: “It’s going to destroy a green corridor, a natural badgers’ sett and mature trees. This area is already so polluted so to remove a strip of green land that acts against this is very concerning.

“It also increases the flood risk – if you concrete over this patch of land then where’s the water going to run off to?”

Harrow Council is yet to set a date for when the application will be assessed.

Planning agent DLPB has been contacted for comment. 

In the application, the developer claimed as much green space as possible will be kept.

It also said the area will be popular with both families and younger buyers as it is close to several shops and a local primary school.