Takeaway talks on the menu

A CLAMPdown on hot food takeaways in Oldham could be one step closer.
Oldham Council approved a motion on September 15 to introduce tough new planning measures for takeaways.

The proposed measures include only allowing two takeaways to open next door to each other and having none within 500 yards of a school.

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

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Board are set to consider the restrictions tomorrow. The measures were proposed by Labour councillor Steven Bashforth after the Oldham Evening Chronicle highlighted in June how a 19th fast-food shop was given the go-ahead within yards of the Grade II-listed St James Church, Derker. The Reverend Paul Plumpton criticised planning approval for the new KFC drive-through opposite his church in an area already blighted with litter.

Members of the management board will consider the proposals tomorrow and draft their own report which will be sent to a future Cabinet meeting for approval.