Over 200 protesters have won their fight against plans to build houses in an area rich in wildlife.

Developers wanted to build two 'environmentally friendly' houses on Fray's Island, in Fray's River, Cowley.

Locals feared they would threaten animals living there, such as king-fishers, herons, swans and woodpeckers.

They also objected to plans to build paths through the land for public access, as it would also threaten wildlife and create parking problems.

The application by Consensus Planning was refused at a planning meeting of Hillingdon Council last week because of the impact the development would have on wildlife, and because of the lack of need for housing on the site.

Don MacNeil, lives in Ferndale Crescent, near Fray's River, close to the island. He said: "I met the person who came from the company to inspect the impact the development would have on the wildlife, and he said it was unlikely kingfishers would breed there, and he said he had found no herons.

"The reason for that is because, in 2006, the trees with herons nesting in were pulled down with a chain saw."

Ron Alan, an ecologist representing the developers, said: "The ecology is not so sensitive as to demand an extensive precautionary approach.

"People have said grass snakes live there but grass snakes feed on frogs and frogs need ponds to breed, and the island has no ponds so it would not be suited to grass snakes.

"We would provide a nesting bank for kingfishers and the environment agency considers this acceptable.

This development would enhance the site."

The developer has the right to appeal the decision but had not done so as the Gazette went to press yesterday (Tuesday).