New takeaways near primary schools face borough planning crackdown
New takeaways could be stopped from opening up near primary schools in Sefton under new planning rules due to be discussed at the council’s cabinet next week.
The changes would extend existing restrictions around secondary schools and colleges to include areas around primary schools for the first time.
A report due before cabinet on June 4 says the move is intended to reflect updates in national planning policy and comes amid concerns over childhood obesity in the borough.
Under the new guidance, planning permission will not normally be granted for new hot food takeaways or fast food outlets within 400 metres of primary schools, secondary schools and further education colleges.
The rules mainly affect plans for takeaways in residential areas, with exceptions for established shopping centres and high streets, and will not generally apply to businesses only opening after 5pm.
The guidance states that applications for takeaways should be refused when within walking distance of schools and other places where children and young people congregate. Council officers say the changes are supported by local health data, which shows obesity rates among children in the borough remain of significant concern.
According to the report, more than a quarter of children of reception age in Sefton were overweight or living with obesity last year, higher than both the national and regional averages, with rates significantly higher among children living in the borough’s most deprived areas.
The updated policy would also introduce tighter controls on concentrations of takeaways in shopping areas and town centres, with planning permission normally only to be granted where hot food takeaways account for less than 5% of units. In parades with less than 20 units, only one takeaway would now normally be permitted.
The council says the aim is not only to support healthier lifestyles but also to address issues including litter, cooking odours, anti-social behaviour and noise.
Cabinet members are due to consider adopting the new supplementary planning document at a meeting to be held at Bootle town hall next week.
The proposals won’t affect existing takeaway businesses but will be used when deciding future planning applications.
