CAMPAIGNERS who fought to keep a McDonald's fast-food restaurant away from the edge of the New Forest were today celebrating victory.

The burger giant had asked for planning permission to build the 75-seater family restaurant and drive-through take-away on the Heath Garage site at Dibden Purlieu in May.

Its application was overwhelmingly rejected by New Forest District Council's development control sub-committee, with none of the 14 councillors present voting for the scheme.

There were strong indications, however, that the company would appeal to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

But McDonald's corporate affairs manager Robert Parker said at the weekend: "We will not be appealing and we no longer have an interest in that site."

He declined to comment on the reasons, but it is understood that there had been recent talks with council officers in a bid to overcome the traffic problems.

The decision was welcomed by New Forest East MP Doctor Julian Lewis. While accepting that the company did provide a public service to families, he commented: "I had expressed my concerns over the traffic problems related to that site and I am pleased McDonald's have taken this decision."

Residents had embarked on a major campaign against the plans, with 1,200 signing petitions and 400 sending written objections to New Forest District Council. Concerns were also expressed by the Forestry Commission, English Nature and the Hampshire highways authority.

They had warned of noise, disturbance to neighbours, traffic problems and litter which could present a danger to the safety of animals grazing in the nearby New Forest.

Campaigners' spokesman Murray McNicol was in jubilant mood over the company's decision which, he said, had eliminated the "residual worry" over a possible appeal which had lingered on despite refusal by the district council.

He said: "I am very pleased for the villagers, both present and future, and for the New Forest."

Hampshire County Councillor Brian Dash, who chaired full-house public meetings about the plan, suggested that the victory for local people in the face of approaches by big business might also hold out hope for campaigners.

He added: "I would congratulate Murray McNicol and his campaign on letting McDonald's know where they stood and what they were up against. This is a victory for people power."

The company, which recently opened a restaurant near Southampton's Millbrook roundabout, has said it is still on the lookout for appropriate sites.