'We don't want McDonald's near our schools'

Residents protesting on the industrial site where the McDonald's is planned

A protest has been held over plans for a McDonald's restaurant and drive-through in Hove.

Residents said they were concerned about litter, traffic and how close the Old Shoreham Road site would be to four schools in the area.

About 50 protesters waved banners which read "I'm not lovin' it" and chanted "no McDonald's".

McDonald's said it would bring 120 jobs to the local area and strived to be a good neighbour in communities where it operated.

'Obesity crisis'

Charlie Boden, a local resident, said: "There are three primary schools and three secondary schools where streams of children are walking past.

"We have an obesity crisis in this country and it's against all our wishes."

Pat Collard, who has lived nearby for 40 years, said: "People feel terrible about it, they don't like it at all.

"McDonald's are better in shopping precincts but not on a main road like here.

"My husband doesn't turn out on to the road sometimes because of all the traffic."

Charles Rickards, one of the residents, is concerned about traffic in the area if the McDonald's was built

"People are against this because of the traffic, the noise and there's also 3,000 children going through here and parents are concerned about health issues for children," said Faiza Baghoth, Labour councillor for Hangleton and Knoll at Brighton & Hove City Council.

Charles Rickards, another resident, said there was "great concern" about traffic and children's safety.

He added: "The crossing up the road at Holmes Avenue is quite a black spot for accidents."

Two existing buildings would need to be demolished to make room for the fast food restaurant, which would have 79 seats and 42 car parking spaces.

Around 50 residents gathered to protest against the plans

Brighton & Hove City Council has not yet set a date to discuss the planning application.

The closest drive-through McDonald's restaurants for people in Brighton and Hove are currently in Shoreham and at Brighton Marina.

A McDonald's spokesperson said the McDonald's would bring significant investment to the area and 120 jobs.

The spokesperson added that 89% of items in its core menu contain under 500 calories and nearly 60% of the menu is classified as not high in fat, salt or sugar.