Takeaways WILL be banned from opening near schools in Wolverhampton
Plans to stop takeaways from operating near schools in Wolverhampton have been given the go-ahead as the city looks to tackle its obesity crisis.
The new rules will mean that fast food shops cannot open within 400 metres of a secondary school, as well as ruling that no more than two takeaways can be next door to each other.
They will also be banned from opening in shopping centres or parades where there is already a high percentage.
In centres with more than 40 units, no more than 10 per cent will be allowed to be takeaways.
After a City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet meeting, the new rules could soon come into play across the city after a consultation period and play a major factor in determining planning applications for new takeaways.
Speaking during the meeting, councillor Paul Sweet, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “Problems with obesity in Wolverhampton and the West Midlands are well documented.
“We are not the first council in the country to do this but we are a little bit late to the table.We haven’t taken as strict an approach to this as some councils but I think we have been sensible. This is only one tool in our armour as we look to battle obesity but I think it can make a difference.”
Latest research shows that half of Year 6 pupils in Wolverhampton are either overweight or obese. There is currently more than one hot food takeaway per 1,000 people in Wolverhampton. The national average is 0.86.
There will be a consultation on the proposed rules during which businesses will have a chance to have their say.
Speaking during the cabinet meeting, councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, said the new rules will not affect sandwich shops and restaurants.
He said: “This will impact on planning applications for what we would class as A5 takeaways, such as pizza shops and fast food shops.
“It does not mean we will stop healthier food shops opening up.”
