Council wants fewer takeaways in deprived areas

New figures have revealed a high concentration of fast food outlets in poorer areas

Data has revealed almost half of Lancashire's takeaways are located in the county's most deprived areas, prompting calls to control the number of new outlets seeking to open.

New statistics showed a massive over-concentration of fast food establishments in poorer compared to more affluent areas, the Local Democracy Reporting Service wrote.

Across the 12 districts of the Lancashire County Council area – which excludes Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen – 46.4% of all takeaways can be found in the 20% of places with the highest levels of deprivation.

In contrast, the 20% least deprived areas account for only 5.5 percent of Lancashire’s takeaway tally.

The data, which is based on 2022 figures, showed 1,408 fast food establishments across the county council area -  one for every 890 people which is higher than the England average of one per 958 residents.

The figures have been published as part of the council's hot food takeaways and spatial planning strategy, which seeks to prevent new fast food outlets opening in deprived wards.

Cabinet member for health and wellbeing Michael Green said the authority was attempting to “help Lancashire residents make the best choices for themselves and lead healthier lives”.

The authority has issued refreshed guidance to the dozen district councils – which have planning powers, recommending refusing permission for takeaways in poor areas.

The council wants to limit the number of fast food outlets near high schools

It also suggests blocking proposals for fast food operations in wards where 10% or more of pupils in reception classes or 15% in year six are classed as obese.

The council has noted a “strong positive correlation” between child obesity and the prevalence of hot food takeaways although it acknowledges it is not possible to establish a direct causal link.

This policy document also proposes stopping new takeaways within a 400m (437 yards) radius of the entry to a secondary school.

Rules on new takeaways could be included within the forthcoming Central Lancashire Local Plan covering Preston, Chorley and South Ribble.

Other data shows there are now more fast food outlets in every district except Fylde than there were six years ago – with the biggest increases coming in Rossendale (42%), Pendle (30%) and West Lancashire (27%).