Conservationists say they are pleased a proposal to sell a field in Stanmore didn't go through.

The Harrow Conservation Forum has been urging the council not to sell off the derelict Pear Wood Cottages, in Pear Wood Nature Reserve, and lease the adjoining Ten Acre Field.

This morning, the group was told the developer decided not to complete the deal, after the deadline passed on Friday. This means that Pear Wood Cottages and Ten Acre Field will not be included in any future negotiations over incorporating Wood Farm into Stanmore Country Park.

Stephen Bolsover, chairman of Harrow Conservation Forum, says the latest development was welcome news for the time being.

He added: “Who knows what the council will try and do next? But at least it’s protected the land for a while, after all that.

"I’m very pleased for Claire Abbott, a warden at Pear Wood, because she has put her heart and soul into preserving it. In the meantime, we will continue maintaining the area.”

Councillor Thaya Idikkadar, portfolio holder for property and major contracts on Harrow Council, said the council still hoped to open up the “wonderful open space”.

He said: “While the window of opportunity for reaching an agreement on these terms has passed, negotiations will continue, including with all interested parties, such as Harrow Nature Conservation Forum.

“But recognising the many concerns raised by the community, we are de-coupling Pear Wood Cottages and Ten Acre Field from those talks, so the two sites will not be part of a future deal.”