UPDATED 5.48pm Christchurch City Council is looking at ways to stop unhealthy fast food outlets springing up near schools.

The unanimous decision was made after feedback from people in Linwood, including school principals, students and medical professionals.

Newstalk ZB's Charlie Greenhalgh reports that all those who gave feedback expressed concern about the number of fast food joints near their schools.

"The Council has agreed staff will report back on the different options available to both Council and the central government to limit the impact or even prevent fast food outlets near schools and other community areas."

Two Linwood College students voiced their concerns to Christchurch City Council today

The Council also received a 170 signature petition from concerned parents at Linwood Avenue Primary.

Thirteen-year-old Linwood College student Kayla Hoskins said kids try to eat healthily, but temptations are being dangled right in front of them.

"You walk round the corner and then you can see the bank of fast food restaurants, outside the Linwood Ave Primary you can smell it from the classrooms and see it from the windows."

Sixteen-year-old Linwood College student Harriet Helms said it's a huge temptation for kids who are trying to eat healthily.

"When you walk home from schools you live around Eastgate, you constantly see huge signs that have huge deals on them, and it's almost irresistible for many students."

Harriet Helms said it's difficult to get rid of fast food restaurants but it would be good to have a healthy alternative, ideally with free wi-fi to attract the students.

Labour MP Ruth Dyson believes a multi-pronged approach is needed to tackle the issue.

She has been part of a delegation pushing for change, and said there shouldn't be just a regulatory approach.

"The other approach is non-regulatory, where they would work with the district health board to become a healthy city, and use education and promotion as a means of changing behaviour."

Ms Dyson believes a combination of both would really make a difference as the idea isn't necessarily to force places to shut down.

"They've opened legitimately within the rules. What we're asking is that the rules change for the future."