DETERMINED residents have successfully fought plans to build a KFC drive-through.

Basildon Council chiefs have refused to grant planning permission for a new fast-food restaurant on the former Laindon Hotel site, in High Road, Laindon.

The KFC would have created up to 55 jobs, but a campaigning group of neighbours opposed to the scheme.

Council planning officers have now refused the plans, because they felt the restaurant wasn’t suitable outside the town centre, the design was not appropriate for the local area, its opening hours would negatively impact on neighbours and there were problems with the car park’s design.

Helen Potter, 55, of Little Oxcroft, next to the site, said: “This is great news – it just wasn’t suitable for a residential area, where there are lots of young families.”

Paul Cox, 45, of Little Oxcroft, added: “I’m really pleased because I think the land should be used for the community, something like a playground, or flower garden should go there instead.”

John Dornan, Tory Laindon Park councillor who supported the residents, described the refusal as “a victory for common sense” and hoped another home could be found for KFC at Laindon Shopping Centre.

Developer Laindon Holdings had submitted the planning application and wanted Kefco Sales, a KFC franchisee based in Southend, to run it.

The franchisee had vowed to work with the local community to iron out any potential problems and argued the restaurant was suitable for the location and would tackle local unemployment.

Although the planning application sought permission to open round-the-clock, it would have closed during the night.

A spokesman for the KFC franchisee said: “We're obviously disappointed, as we believe KFC can be a positive addition to any community.

“KFC always tries to be a good neighbour and all our restaurants carry out regular day and night time litter picks and raise money for charity through community events.

“KFC was named Britain’s Top Employer for 2012 and a site in Laindon would have created great career opportunities for local residents.”

The fast-food chain was dealt another blow at the weekend, when the KFC in Southernhay, Basildon town centre, closed its doors after serving the town for 30 years.

The restaurant had failed to attract customers and its 15 staff have been re-deployed to other local KFCs.