BRADFORD’S policy of blocking new take aways from opening near schools and parks has been supported by a Government Planning Inspector.

An appeal to turn a former Co-Op store in Cullingworth into a pizza take away has just been dismissed by the planning inspectorate.

The appeal followed two unsuccessful planning applications to convert a section of the store, on Greenside Lane, into a hot food take away.

Council planning officers had argued that the business would be too close to Parkside School, The Village Primary School, the local park/recreation field, Village Hall and local cricket club.

Introduced in 2014 in an attempt to cut down on childhood obesity, the Council’s hot food take away policy prevents new take aways from opening within 400 metres of a school, park or leisure facility.

The policy does not apply in “local centres” – i.e. city, town or village centres.

Plan for new take away on Leeds Road is refused due to proximity to schools

Applicant B Frudd lodged an appeal against the Council’s refusal with the Planning Inspectorate in May.

He argued that the Co-Op sold unhealthy food when it was based in the unit, and pointed out that the site would be in the Cullingworth local centre if the upcoming Bradford District Local Plan is approved.

The appeal also claimed the business would add to the vibrancy of Cullingworth.

However, planning inspector Sarah Manchester has now dismissed the appeal, and supported the Council policy.

In her decision report she said: “The proposal would not contribute to a healthy neighbourhood food environment. It would not make a positive contribution to the health of the local community, and children in particular.

“I note the suggestion that a café or a restaurant could sell similar food, including takeaways, as a take away. Also, convenience stores generally sell confectionary and baked goods, which would be attractive and affordable to children. Be that as it may, there is little evidence that a lawful use of the appeal building would have the same impact on children’s health and the health of the community as a hot food take away.”

The Co-Op will be split into two units in the plan, and Mrs Manchester pointed out that this would mean two sets of employees and two customer bases, which could cause traffic problems and “harm the safe operation of the highway.”

She added: “I note the suggestion that the proposal would contribute to the vibrancy of Cullingworth.

“However, as the village already appears relatively vibrant, this is a matter that carries little weight in favour of the scheme.”