Planners have refused consent for a mural of film stars at a city centre burger bar.

Brighton and Hove City Council turned down the mural application at Burger King in North Street, Brighton.

Applicants Shan Trading appealed to the planning inspectorate but advertising appeals officer David Leeming rejected the request.

Burger King is on the site of an old cinema and still contains a screen in the building.

The mural, measuring three by four metres, covers the whole upper facade of the building.

Council officials contended the mural was gaudy but Mr Leeming said: "I do not agree.

"I consider it a well-designed and professional-looking feature that in the right setting would present a lively and attractive visual image."

But Mr Leeming said the restaurant was among traditional buildings at the top of North Street.

He added: "Set among these, the bright and colourful mural looks out of place and detracts from the prevailing restrained and sober image presented on the upper elevations."

Shan Trading said the mural was a novel way of attracting trade to the road but Mr Leeming said the mural was unsuitable in the area.