Campaigners are hoping a fried chicken restaurant will take away its plans to open a new branch in East Sheen.

Plans lodged last month to turn Carlos restaurant, at 201 Upper Richmond Road West, into a KFC angered residents who packed into an area consultation meeting to protest to councillors.

They have also written around 150 letters of objection.

Shene School also opposes the proposal, as it is concerned pupils will be attracted to its food.

Charles Hugill, of Gilpin Avenue, said there was an over supply of take-away restaurants and another would not add a positive contribution to the area.

He said: "There is a real worry about the way this stretches available parking, of which there isn't much. I am not sure the area can support that.

"There are also problems to do with the way food is prepared and smells. It would be a shame for it to go ahead."

The residents have received the support of East Sheen councillor Nick True but the current leaseholder of the site is in favour of the application.

Cllr True said: "I am against this and am currently working with those people in the community who are opposing it. There is a strong feeling that we don't need or want another major multi-national take-away.

"The neighbours have fears over noise disturbance, smells, litter problems and parking issues. It has aroused tremendous opposition. I understand why and will support them."

He will present a petition with over 100 signatures to a meeting of the council next Tuesday.

He added: "It is indicative of a feeling that people want to defend the nature of their high street. There is a growing feeling that we don't want all high streets to become the same."

In a letter to the council, Valerie Wallace, director of the learning environment at Shene School, said it was concerned about the application and felt the food served would not fit in with Government directives about what youngsters should be eating.

"In addition, young people, who tend to be the main consumers, will loiter around these sites and we are trying to ensure they arrive and leave school promptly," she added.

"Due to the proximity of the shop front to the school, pupils would find using it convenient. This means they could be missing out on their education and possibly appearing to have anti-social behaviour.

"Considering the consequences of a take-away to the pupils' health and education, the social impact on the community and the environmental implications, the school strongly opposes the granting of the application for change of use."

Mike Wisgard, who currently holds the lease on the premises, told the council he will be supporting the application.

He said there is no over-supply of fast-food outlets, no litter problem, ample parking and KFC would have a far superior extractor system.

A Richmond Council spokesperson said the public consultation on the application ended on Wednesday, July 12, and the council hoped it would go before planning committee in August for a decision.