Takeaway plans scrapped due to obesity crisis

Plans to convert a former YMCA hall into a fish and chips shop have been withdrawn after concerns were raised by public health officials.

The proposal included changing the use of the community building in Hemsworth into a restaurant and takeaway.

Wakefield Council officers said the scheme could have "negative impacts" for the town, which is considered to be among the most "health deprived".

Ben Mitchell, the council's healthy places officer, said the business would be close to schools and there was already an "abundance" of takeaways nearby.

"Our risk matrix indicates that the application site is within the top 10% for significant health deprivation for the district," Mitchell said.

"Hemsworth is amongst the areas of Wakefield with the highest rates of people with health deprivation which is not a desirable or acceptable situation."

Mitchell said 85% of children in the area did not eat fruit and vegetables at least once a day and 9% had diabetes.

About 27% of reception children and 41% of Year 6 children were obese, he said.

The officer also expressed concern about the loss of the hall and said community facilities helped "build practical life skills, cultural enrichment and improved social interaction".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, application documents said the building had been vacant for more than 12 months and had been subject to vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

A statement prepared on behalf of the building's new owner said: "Given that the building is currently empty, its conversion and refurbishment to form a joint fish and chip restaurant and takeaway will provide a much-needed and appealing small business opportunity."

The applicant addressed concerns in a health impact assessment (HIA) which stated the business would sell salads, vegetables, fruit and yogurts, as well as fish and chips.

It said low-calorie drinks would be available and employees would be trained in serving customers with dietary needs and allergies.

Despite the assurances, Mitchell said the council could not support the application.

He said: "It is also important to note that England is within an obesity crisis.

"Adults and childhood obesity are acknowledged to be unacceptably high and with urgent remedial action needed.

"There is a strong likelihood that the proposed development will have an overall negative impact on health due to a range of factors including the proximity of schools, the local abundance of hot food takeaways and the existing health deprivation within Hemsworth."

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