Fast food outlets and takeaways

SE2: Fast food outlets and takeaways Location 1. Where planning permission is required, proposals for fast food outlets and takeaways outside of designated town centres will not be permitted if they are: a) Within a walking distance of schools, playgrounds and leisure centres; or b) in locations where there is evidence that a concentration of such uses is having an adverse impact on local health, pollution or anti-social behaviour. Delivery-Only Models 2. Proposals for fast food and takeaway delivery-only models will be assessed according to this policy. 7.458 The NPPF states that local planning authorities should refuse applications for fast food outlets and takeaways within reasonable walking distance of schools and other places where children and young people congregate or in locations where there is evidence that a concentration of such uses is having an adverse impact on local health and wellbeing. 7.459 In Buckinghamshire, there is evidence that the distribution of fast-food outlets and takeaways within walking distance of schools and concentrations in areas of deprivation contribute to poor diet, child obesity and health inequalities, thus having an adverse impact on the health of local communities. This evidence is set out in the Health and Wellbeing Evidence Study. This policy supports Buckinghamshire’s Joint Local Health and Wellbeing strategy – 2035 to improve population health, reduce the high prevalence of child obesity and to tackle health inequalities. It contributes to Buckinghamshire’s Whole Systems Approach to a Healthy Weight to create healthier food environments. 7.460 Walking distance is typically measured as 400 metres ‘as the crow flies’ from the main entrance of a school or place where children and young people congregate. This distance equates to approximately a 5–10-minute walk and the rationale is set out in the Health and Wellbeing evidence study. Planning decisions should consider any major physical barriers (e.g. motorways or rivers) that would prevent children being exposed to an outlet on walking routes to schools, playgrounds or leisure centres. 7.461 This policy applies to new fast-food outlets and takeaways, including delivery-only models that are subject to planning application processes. Fast food outlets refer to businesses selling fast food where consumption may take place on or off the premises or through online delivery services. Fast food refers to energy dense food (i.e., calories (kcal) per gram of food) that is available quickly and is often high in fat, sugar and salt. Fast food outlets cover a range of outlets selling fast food including, but not limited to burgers, pizza, kebabs, chicken, Indian takeaway, Chinese takeaway and fish and chips. Takeaways refer to the sale of hot food where consumption of that food is mostly undertaken off the premises. Fast food and takeaways delivery-only models, commonly referred to as dark kitchens, are facilities that prepare hot food for delivery only without the option for the public to enter the premises.