Takeaway crackdown hits snag

THERE will be no fast-track for Oldham’s fast-food crackdown as tough new planning restrictions for takeaways could take another eight months, and a change in planning law, for approval.

In September last year, Oldham Council approved a motion to introduce a range of planning restrictions to curb the number of hot-food takeaways blighting the borough.

Labour councillor Steven Bashforth proposed a series of measures after the Evening Chronicle highlighted last June how a 19th fast food shop was given the go-ahead within yards of the Grade II listed St James Church, Derker.

The tough measures included only allowing two takeaways to open next door to each other and having none within 500 metres of a school.

They also called for a possible £1,000 fee for litter bins or promoting healthy eating, and having at least three other types of shop between groups of takeaways.

However, a draft document into the feasibility of the measures said it would be difficult for the council to enforce both the 500 metre planning restriction or the £1,000 payment.

In order to allow the measures, the council will need to lobby central government for a change in planning legislation.

And final approval will have to be given by a government inspector, which is not expected before September at the earliest.

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board suggested that a letter be sent to the Government asking for further planning powers for local authorities.

Members of Oldham Council are expected to consider the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board’s findings at tonight’s full council meeting.