Plans to open a new takeaway in a Bradford neighbourhood with high levels of obesity, diabetes and deprivation have been rejected by planners.
The proposal sought permission to convert part of 30 Whetley Hill from a retail unit into a takeaway specialising in freshly prepared tandoor roti and traditional meals. However, Bradford Council refused the application, citing concerns about its location close to schools and facilities used by children and young people.
The application, submitted by Euro Engineering Consultants Ltd, argued that the proposed business would not operate as a typical fast-food outlet. Planning documents stated: “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.”
Despite those claims, council planners ruled that the proposal conflicted with Bradford’s planning policies on hot food takeaways.
The site is located around 40 metres from Atlas Community Primary School and falls within an area where planning policy restricts new takeaway developments near schools, parks and other places regularly used by children.
Bradford introduced the policy in 2014 in an effort to tackle health inequalities and reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food outlets. Since then, a number of takeaway applications have been refused across the district.
In their decision notice, planning officers highlighted the concentration of nearby facilities used by young people. 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
The decision stated: “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.”
The council’s Public Health Team also objected to the proposal, pointing to the number of existing takeaways in the area and wider health concerns.
Planning officers added: “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.”
The application has therefore been refused.
