Public health officials have raised concerns about the number of takeaway businesses operating across Bradford, warning that the city’s fast-food culture is contributing to rising rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
The warning emerged during discussions over a planning application for a new takeaway in Whetley Hill, which was recently refused by Bradford Council.
Environmental health officers argued that Bradford already has an over-concentration of hot food takeaways and that allowing more outlets to open, particularly in deprived areas, could worsen existing health inequalities. According to council data, Bradford had 759 takeaway outlets in 2024, equivalent to 135.5 outlets per 100,000 people. This compares with a national average of 115.9 per 100,000.
Officials said Bradford would have around 110 fewer takeaway outlets if it matched the England average.
In their submission to planners, public health officers highlighted research linking greater exposure to fast food with higher rates of obesity, particularly among lower-income communities. They warned that regular consumption of fast food is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and some cancers.
The refused application was located in Manningham, one of Bradford’s most deprived wards and less than 40 metres from Atlas Primary School.
Health officials noted that obesity rates in Manningham stand at 18.9%, compared with a national average of 12.8% . Diabetes rates are also significantly higher, affecting 15.3% of residents compared with 7.7% nationally.
Life expectancy in the area is also lower than the England average, with men expected to live 70.8 years and women 77 years.
The council’s public health team argued that approving another takeaway in the area would conflict with national planning policies aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing health inequalities.
Bradford Council introduced planning restrictions in 2014 preventing new hot food takeaways from opening within 400 metres of schools, parks, leisure centres and other facilities used by children. Since then, dozens of applications have been refused.
Research by health organisation Born in Bradford has also highlighted concerns about the city’s food environment. The organisation says Bradford is “flooded” with fast-food outlets, making it harder for children and families to access healthier food options.
Its research has been referenced in a report due to be discussed by Bradford Council’s Executive, which links higher concentrations of fast-food outlets in deprived areas to poorer health outcomes.
The report states that residents in some communities face limited access to green spaces, higher pollution levels and a greater concentration of takeaway businesses. All of these factors can contribute to poorer long-term health.
