Plans to build a temporary roundabout near Little Missenden to give HS2 contractors access to a vent shaft have been thrown out.

HS2 wanted to build the temporary roundabout on the A413 between Keepers Lane and Mop End Lane, to facilitate access to the Little Missenden Vent Shaft being built as part of the 10-mile long Chiltern Tunnel running from the M25 to Great Missenden.

The submitted plans to construct the roundabout and associated alterations, which would reduce the A413 to a single lane in both directions from the existing single carriageway to the west of Highmore Cottages to a point just to the east of the access to the site.

A Bucks Council report said when the proposals were shared with council members and parish councils at a meeting last July, “serious concerns” were raised about the potential impact on the “free flow of traffic” on the A413.

READ MORE: 'A major milestone': Green light for HS2 plans for vent shaft in 10-mile Chiltern tunnel

It was feared that it would lead to additional traffic diverting off the A413 to avoid congestion and delays, and through the villages of Little Missenden and Hyde Heath, “thereby resulting in prejudicial effects on road safety”.

Bucks Free Press: Pictured: The Little Missenden vent shaftPictured: The Little Missenden vent shaft

Residents were also worried about the impact of the roundabout, with many saying it would “create chaos and suffocate Hyde Heath, Little Missenden and surrounding villages”.

An online survey by the Chesham and Amersham Liberal Democrats in November reportedly revealed that 85 per cent of residents were against the plans, with the councillor for Asheridge Vale and Lowndes, Alan Bacon (Lib Dem), making his opposition to the plans clear at several meetings.

READ MORE: HS2's Little Missenden vent shaft designs revealed

The Chesham and Amersham Lib Dems have welcomed the decision to refuse the plans, saying: “This is excellent news for local residents who have finally had their voices heard.

“The Council is now working with HS2 and [contractors] Align to identify safer and more acceptable alternatives to access the vent shaft.”