Five black sheep were left on a building site in Greenwich by a mystery resident in a protest over the development of nearby land into affordable housing.

Family Mosaic received planning permission from Greenwich Council last November for a scheme of 83 flats and houses to be built on land between Creek Road and Bardsley Lane – with a grant from the GLA to enable 63 of the homes to be delivered as affordable housing.

But on Tuesday morning, builders were greeted by a pen of black sheep left by a resident who claimed the site was common land and belonged to the public.

Susie Wilson, of Bardsley Lane, said: “I was walking down the street when I came across other residents gathered around. I took a look and saw five black sheep in a pen in Bardsley Lane and one of the neighbours told me a local man was protesting against the development of the flats.

“I’m all for protests but not when they involve animals – the sheep had been left there overnight. It’s inexcusable.”

The homes are due to be completed in September 2017.

A Family Mosaic spokeswoman said: “The occupation of the site is delaying the delivery of these much needed affordable homes. We are proceeding with the development as best as possible while working with the relevant authorities to ensure the welfare and safety of any people or animals occupying the site.

“We currently hold the right to all of the land where the development construction site is located, and therefore any person or animal entering the land without permission will be seen as illegally trespassing.”