A colony of badgers has been saved after plans for new flats near their habitat were scrapped. 

Harrow Council confirmed a planning application for 46 homes next to the Metropolitan line in Pinner Road had been withdrawn. 

It came after more than 30,000 people signed an online petition urging the council to block the development over fears it would disturb local wildlife. 

They were particularly concerned about the impact it would have on a badger sett, with suggestions the animals could be “forced onto nearby roads” if developers were given the green light.

Read more: Petition to save badgers from flats development gains nationwide support

The campaign captured the attention of wildlife lovers from across the country, with comments on the council’s planning portal coming from people in places including Bath, Swansea and Liverpool. 

At the same time, many of those opposed to the plan lived locally and were concerned about Harrow losing more of its green space. 

Joan Stocker, who lives close to the site, said she would have considered moving out of the area if the plans had gone ahead. 

She was concerned about the impact it would have on her privacy, with fears that the proposed blocks would overshadow her home and also about the potential damage to the environment.

Read more: Badger concerns after plans for flats in Pinner Road

Joan said: “I really feel I’ve had a reprieve, having lived here for over 60 years.

“This development was destroying my peace of mind, at a time in my life when I was hoping to enjoy my garden and the trees, which would have been cut down if this development had gone ahead.”

Georgia Weston, who supported the campaign throughout, said it showed how strength in numbers can lead to positive action. 

She said: “It was very important that so many residents raised their concerns about this development with their local campaigners, councillors and MP. 

“This showed the developers the local strength of feeling and pressured them to withdraw their proposal. 

“It shows that when a community stands together, we are a force to be reckoned with.”

Planning agent DLPB has been contacted for comment.