Private school objects to new McDonald's nearby as it will 'put off potential parents'

A historic £7,000-a-year private school is blocking a new McDonald's - fearing parents will not send their children to be taught near the fast food giant.

Governors of the 400-year-old Haberdashers School are fighting the building of the new restaurant just 100 metres away because it would "dissuade potential parents".

They are appealing against a proposed shopping centre in Monmouth, South Wales, near their Agincourt pre-prep school for three to seven-year-olds - whose families pay £2,265 per term.

The governors said the proposed McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Marston's public house and a Pets at Home store would be "inappropriate" and would lose the school money and teaching jobs.

They said: "We are concerned that such a highly visible and inappropriate sited development in such close proximity to the school would be likely to have the detrimental effect of dissuading potential parents from sending their children to the school.

"Any reduction in pupil numbers could result in a reduction in the staff employed by the school."

The governors highlight the concerns of an increase in traffic, road safety for pupils and overspill parking in the school's car park.

Haberdasher's Monmouth School - whose motto is "Serve and Obey" - was founded under James I in 1614 as a grammar school for boys.

It was rebuilt in 1865 and now boasts single-sex boarding schools for boys and girls, with annual fees of £25,000, as well as a prep school and pre-prep school.

Gary Whitcombe, former Monmouth town councillor, said the shopping development by Avenbury Ventures LLP would give the rural town a boost.

Mr Whitcombe, 77, said the shops and restaurants would create 147 "much-needed" jobs for local people.

He said: "I have spoken to many people who support the scheme. There are no jobs here and many people are forced to travel to other areas to work.

"This would be a huge boost for the town and another restaurant will give people more choice."

The developer said the scheme will create 147 jobs while redeveloping a vacant site.

The application has yet to be considered by Monmouthshire council's planning committee.