Plans to restrict number of hot food takeaways

Plans to restrict the number and location of hot food takeaways are being discussed, and the public will be offered their say.

The proposals are due to increasing concerns about the concentration of takeaways on the high street, and close to schools.

The plans were approved by councillors in the same week as the Government introduced a ban on junk food advertising before 9pm.

There will now be a six-week period of public consultation – details to follow.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council, said: “Residents often raise with me the proliferation of hot food takeaways on our highstreets. While they form an important part of our business community, too high a concentration of these businesses can cause issues in our local areas.

"In 2020, Bury had 127 takeaways per 100,000 residents - today that number is up to 165.7, placing Bury in the top 20 areas across the UK for takeaway density, and well above the UK average of 115.

“Too many takeaways can cause disruption on our highways, impact on local housing, and reduce the variety of shops and businesses on our high street, and in deprived communities we’re seeing higher than average rates of childhood overweight and obesity with up to 25% of children affected in some areas.

“These figures have risen in recent years, alongside an increase in hot food takeaways. The evidence demonstrates a clear association between the density of hot food takeaways and unhealthy weight outcomes, particularly in our most deprived communities.”

He added: “We want to minimise the harm takeaways cause to our communities and highstreets’ wellbeing. This is why we’re looking at a range of changes to the planning system, which include limiting the number of continuous takeaways on high street frontages, refusing applications for takeaways where there are already many, and not granting permission within 400m of a school.

“We also recognise that people do have freedom of choice. Therefore, we are trying to take a balanced and fair approach which supports local business and economic growth and also ensures our built environment supports the health and wellbeing of our residents.”

Details of how residents will be able to have their say on the proposed policy will be released shortly.

ENDS

Press release issued: 19 January 2026.