New measures to limit the development of new hot food takeaway sites have been introduced by Newcastle City Council.
Planning permission for hot food takeaways will not be granted in wards where more than 10% of Year 6 pupils are obese.
The local authority will also not give permission for new takeaway premises within a 10-minute walking time of schools; youth, community and leisure centres; parks or play spaces.
These rules will not apply in Newcastle’s retail centre.
New policies will also prevent the over-proliferation and ‘clustering’ of takeaway sites.
Public health director Alice Wiseman said: ‘Newcastle City Council wants to support and encourage people to improve their health and wellbeing through healthy eating and active lifestyles.
‘Planning has played an important role in shaping healthy communities throughout history, and this latest restriction on takeaways in our city is just one example of how it can help in the fight against obesity.’
