Fast food restaurants near Christchurch schools have left a sour taste in the mouth of one mother - and hundreds of others agree.

Tracie Charnock is taking signatures to create a bill that would give New Zealand schools a say on what's built within an 800 metre radius.

LISTEN ABOVE: Tracie Charnock speaks with Mike Hosking about the petition 

The petition comes amid news that a pre-school and a McDonald's are set to be built next to each other in Christchurch.

Ms Charnock said she's surprised with how many have got behind her.

"Last I counted I was at almost 400 on paper and I've got an online petition going at Change.org that's up to around 85 last time I checked.

"People are maybe starting to realise that a little bit more and starting to wake up and see what's really happening."

Ms Charnock and Ruth Dyson will be addressing the next Christchurch City Council meeting in a couple of weeks.