Sefton Council tightens rules on fast food outlets to combat child obesity

Sefton Council is stepping up efforts to manage fast food outlets, updating plans to limit their presence in areas where they could negatively impact health.

In a recent cabinet meeting, the council agreed to amend its supplementary planning document, originally adopted in 2017, to reflect changes in national planning policy and address concerns over child obesity.

The updated planning document emphasises the potential health risks associated with fast food establishments and broadens the scope of fast food types considered by the council.

Sefton's chief planning officer, Derek McKenzie, explained that the revised policies would “help strengthen the delivery of many priorities and objectives of this borough.”

While hot food takeaways require planning permission due to their specific category, other fast food shops like sandwich stores can convert from other businesses without an application. This limits the council's control over these establishments.

However, the new measures target proposals for new-build fast food outlets, particularly drive thru restaurants in residential areas, banning these and other fast food stores within 400m of any school unless they open after 5pm.

Sefton Council hopes these rules will help tackle higher obesity rates among children in the area, as revealed by the National Childhood Measurement Programme 2024/5.

Data showed obesity rates among Year 6 children in deprived households are significantly higher compared to less deprived backgrounds.

Drive thrus, previously exempt from school proximity rules, will now face restrictions, reflecting the landscape's change with more diverse operators entering the market.

Fast food establishments are defined by the council as premises specialising in quick service with a focus on take-away. Planning for these outlets near residential zones is unlikely if they seek late night operation.

Sefton Council will also consult Merseyside Police on applications, due to concerns about fast food sites becoming hotspots for crime and anti-social behaviour.

The council observed clustering of takeaways in deprived areas and aims to restrict their numbers unless situated in town centres.

Existing rules limit hot food takeaways in shopping parades, capping them at 5% of all units in an area.

Despite challenges restricting other fast food categories, the NHS consulted on the strategy and recommended expanding council powers in its next Local Plan.

Supplementary planning documents enhance the Local Plan policies and are crucial in guiding decision-making.

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