A man who stormed a town hall meeting and pelted politicians with cherry tomatoes could be banned from entering public buildings.

Councillors and members of the public were left frozen in shock when Steve McLean launched a torrent of abuse in the middle of a key Brighton and Hove City Council meeting.

Reports from those in the chamber said Mr McLean, who has been in a three-year planning dispute with the authority, flung cherry tomatoes at Conservative members while uttering a string of insults.

Lawyers at the local authority are believed to be drafting a restraining order against him to prevent a repeat at future meetings.

But Mr McLean, of Hazeldene Meads, Brighton, told The Argus he felt it was the only way he could protest against the planning system.

When asked about the restraining order, he said “bring it on”.