After almost a year of struggle, developer P.K. Dixon has withdrawn his request for zoning and annexation in Fayetteville.

Dixon had hoped to build 150 homes, a nature preserve and an industrial park on 370 acres at the end of Burch Road, but lack of a way in and out of the subdivision that would be acceptable both to local officials and to Burch Road residents doomed the project.

Dixon's hopes now rest on a lawsuit he has filed seeking to force the city to give him access to his property through a cul-de-sac at the end of Burch Road.

The city Planning Commission last month voted to recommend denial of Dixon's request to annex a portion of his proposed development that is outside the city and change the zoning of the entire parcel to match his plan.

Council had planned to discuss that recommendation during its meeting Monday at City Hall, but Dixon withdrew the application.

Burch Road residents, who have attended the entire series of public hearings and meetings over the last year, urged council to reject Dixon's withdrawal and formally deny his request.

Following a denial, Dixon must wait a full year before resubmitting his plans, whereas withdrawal requires only a six-month wait.

But Councilman Al Hovey-King told the residents that city law allows applicants to withdraw if they choose.

Officials say Dixon's development would have been a good one, but access problems were the sticking point.

He proposed to extend a street through a John Wieland Homes development off Redwine Road to provide access from the south, and to extend Burch Road off Ga. Highway 54 to provide access from the north.

Burch Road residents have steadfastly opposed extending their road.

The extension would destroy the cul-de-sac, and residents say they bought their homes with the understanding that the cul-de-sac would be permanent.