- b.Odour and noise: provision of appropriate extraction systems to effectively disperse odours. These systems must:
- c.Disposal of commercial waste: adequate on-site waste storage and disposal of waste products.
- i.Have minimal impact on visual amenity;
- ii.Be acoustically attenuated; and
- iii.Not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring occupiers, for example by virtue of vibration or odour.
Explanation
- One of the approaches in which planning can have the greatest impact on health, and in particular the level of obesity, is the control of hot food takeaways. National planning policy at paragraph 97 (December 2024) is clear that applications should be refused for hot food takeaways and fast-food outlets where they are within walking distance of schools and other places where children and young people congregate, except where they are within a designated centre. National Planning Practice Guidance supports access to healthier food choices, including the need to limit the proliferation of particular uses where evidence demonstrates this is appropriate. Obesity is primarily caused by excessive intake of foods that are high in fats and sugars. Obesity in children is linked to obesity in adults. In Stockport, the prevalence of overweight or obesity in adults aged over 18 is 62.5% (Sport England Active Lives Survey 2022/23). People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Excess weight can also affect self-esteem and mental health. The cost to the economy is estimated at £20 billion a year once factors such as lost productivity and sick days are taken into account.
- Addressing childhood obesity is an important priority for the borough. Data for Stockport under the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) since the programme began in 2006/07 shows an overall increase in excess weight for both Reception and Year 6 children, with the most recent results showing the rate of overweight and obese 10/11 year olds in Stockport being 8 percentage points higher than when measuring began. In the 2024/25 school year the data shows excess weight in 21.8% of children in Reception, rising to 33.7% of children in Year 6.
- While it is acknowledged that hot food takeaways provide a convenience service to local communities, the council needs to balance this with concerns about levels of childhood obesity and increasing levels of health inequality as well as the need to preserve the retail-based role of town centres. Restricting hot food takeaways and their hours of operation, within walking distance of schools and further education establishments, is a positive measure to manage the health-related