PLANS to develop two 'eco-friendly' houses on a patch of land renowned for its protected species were rejected at a planning meeting last night (Tuesday).

Debate lasted nearly an hour, but the Central and South planning committee at Hillingdon Council decreed that the plans were not practical.

The island is a patch of land surrounded by Fray's River in Cowley and the plans angered residents who live in Ferndale Crescent, Cowley, who made strong objections to the plans and had the backing of Uxbridge MP John Randall.

The committee decided the wildlife which includes,  herons, kingfishers, swans, and foxes was worthy of protection, and feared approving these two houses may lead to furhter development.

The land is also a flood plain, which naturally raised concerns about the safety of the development.

What do you think? E-mail sarikasharma@trinitysouth.co.uk. For full story read next week's Gazette (18/3)