Claims that proposed planning guidelines would effectively ban new takeaways from opening in York have been denied.
As YorkMix previously reported, draft planning guidance from City of York Council proposes stopping new takeaways opening within 800m of schools or other places where children congregate.
Given that this includes parks, play areas, nurseries, community centres and libraries, it means a huge swathe of the city would be affected.
Opposition Liberal Democrat planning spokesperson Cllr Andrew Hollyer said the restriction would hit small, family-run businesses such as fish and chip shops.
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, City of York Council’s Labour planning executive member, said the proposals sought to strike the balance between promoting healthier communities and supporting independent businesses.
The proposals come as part of the council’s ongoing work on the new version of York’s Local Plan setting out the broad approach to development in the city.
A number of planning guidance documents have been drafted as part of the process, including the one covering applications for takeaways.
The restrictions would apply outside of York city centre and the district centres of Acomb and Haxby.
Draft guidance stated takeaways contributed to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, heart conditions and other illnesses and harmed the quality of local areas.
But Liberal Democrat planning spokesperson Cllr Hollyer said the proposals amounted to a war on businesses.
The opposition councillor said: “At a time when independent businesses are already facing enormous pressures, Labour now wants to make it even harder for local entrepreneurs to open a business and create jobs.
“This would hit the small family-run fish and chip shop, the independent pizza takeaway, the local Chinese takeaway and countless other small businesses.
“Given the number of schools, parks, libraries and community centres across York, that rules out huge areas of the city.”
Labour planning executive member Cllr Pavlovic said the changes reflected changes in national policies and existing businesses would be unaffected.
The executive member said: “The Liberal Democrats know full well that this is not a ban on takeaways, this is not an automatic prohibition, nor does it prevent independent businesses from investing in York.
“Labour is proud to support York’s independent businesses and high streets, while also giving children the best possible start in life.”
The proposed planning guidance is set for a consultation before a final decision on whether to adopt it.
