RESIDENTS are breathing a sigh of relief after McDonald's withdrew its plan to build a drive-through restaurant on a notoriously busy road.

The application to build on the Deep Mill Diner service station site, on the London Road, Little Kingshill, was withdrawn last Friday after the fast food chain contacted Chiltern District Council.

Determined campaigners had sent more than 300 letters and a petition of more than 500 names to Chiltern District Council objecting to the plan.

Buckinghamshire County Council's highways department received 100 complaints saying the road was too dangerous for a drive-through.

The fast food company had submitted plans for a 47-seat fast food restaurant with drive-through and 27 parking spaces, but they will be able to resubmit other plans at any time.

Chiltern District Cllr Kenneth Campbell (Con, Little Missenden) said he was delighted McDonald's had withdrawn its plans for the drive-through.

He said: "I think that people that use the road will be pleased that a possible traffic hazard is being removed. It's an extremely dangerous road and I don't think anyone in the Chilterns will want, or need, what would be a very busy attraction."

Vic Collins, the owner of the Deep Mill Diner, London Road, Little Kingshill, next to the site said he was relieved that it would not ruin the green belt area.

He said: "Everyone is pleased about it. It is a nice area and it would just pull it down. We are delighted by it."

Victoria Hague, spokesman for McDonald's said: "McDonald's has withdrawn the application for a drive-through restaurant on the site of Deep Mill. This is in order to gather further information requested by the local authority and to re-assess the situation in conjunction with them."