Outraged residents are set to host another protest against plans for a 24/7 fast food restaurant.
In January 2025, plans were submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council to build a McDonald’s drive-through restaurant on Old Shoreham Road in Hove.
The proposal also included the construction of a car park, as well as the demolition of existing buildings.
However, many residents who live behind to proposed site have shared their anger towards the plans.
Artist impression of McDonald’s in Old Shoreham Road (Image: CB)
With the proposal set to be discussed at a committee in the coming months, residents opposing the plans are set to protest again.
It is due to take place at the Old Shoreham Road site at 6pm on April 21.
The campaign group, titled Hove Against McDonald’s, have raised concerns about the restaurant’s proximity to nearby schools calling out the fast-food company for “targeting our children”.
Parents are concerned that school children will be at an increased risk of a traffic collision due to the increase in cars the drive-thru will bring, as well as adding to obesity issues.
Speaking to The Argus last year, campaigner Michelle Vogel said: “The main reason we are all opposed is the proximity to all of our schools and all of our young people. The city already has a massive obesity problem.
“You’ve got Hove Park, Blatchington Mill, Goldstone and West Hove all less than 800 metres away.
“Holmes Avenue here is where there’s a school run, so they all come up there. McDonald’s know exactly what they’re doing and who they’re targeting.
“It’s going to bring all of the school children down here to the main road, and they’re all going to be littering in the area and children loitering could be at risk of an accident.”
People protesting against plans for a McDonald’s in Hove (Image: The Argus)
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Last year the group hosted several protests at the site, with both children and adults coming out to share their concerns about the proposal.
The director of public health for Brighton and Hove City Council recommended the plans to be refused in March 2025 due to concerns around the levels of obesity in the city.
The council’s planning team also recommended the drive-thru be refused as it is “contrary” to its city plan.
The proposed site was originally a Suzuki car dealership in 2004, which was then replaced by Kent Auto Panels (KAP) after more than a decade of being in Hove.