Plan to open takeaway in area of ‘high obesity and diabetes’ refused
Plans to open a new takeaway in an area of Bradford with high rates of “obesity, diabetes and deprivation” have been refused.
The planning application for the new roti business denied that the food on offer would be “junk food” – but planning officers still refused the proposals, saying the business would be just 40 metres from a primary school.
The application to convert a section of 30 Whetley Hill from retail to a takeaway was submitted by Euro Engineering Consultants Ltd earlier this year.
The unit is just 40 metres from Atlas Community Primary School.
Current planning policy in Bradford prevents new takeaways from opening within 400 metres of a school, park, or other facility frequented by children – unless it is in a town, city or village centre.
The policy was introduced in 2014, and dozens of planning applications for takeaways have been refused since then.
The Whetley Hill planning application said: “The takeaway will focus on freshly prepared Tandoor Roti and traditional meals. It is not a junk food outlet and does not promote harmful or unhealthy food, particularly to children.
“The business supports fresh food preparation and responsible operation within the community. The proposal represents a small, policy compliant development that supports local business while protecting residential amenity and public health.”
Despite this claim, Bradford Council’s public health team recommended the plans be refused – pointing out there are already a high concentration of takeaways in the area.
Refusing the application, planners said: “The site is located in very close proximity to a number of educational, recreational and community facilities used by children and young people.
“Most notably, Atlas Community Primary School is situated approximately 40 metres to the east.
“In addition, the following facilities are all within a short and convenient walking distance:
- Masjid Bilal Mosque – approximately 170 metres
- IQRA Primary Academy – approximately 290 metres
- Bradford Gymnastics Club – approximately 300 metres (4-minute walk)
- Dixons Manningham Primary Academy – approximately 400 metres
- Prism Youth Project – approximately 550 metres
“Given the proximity of these facilities, a significant number of children and young people would be expected to pass the site on a daily basis, including during school commuting times and when accessing religious, recreational and youth services during evenings and weekends.
“Objections have also been raised by the public health team, highlighting the close proximity to schools and youth facilities, as well as the existing over concentration of hot food takeaways in an area already experiencing some of the poorest health outcomes in the district, including higher rates of obesity, diabetes and deprivation.”