Council gives go-ahead for burger bar next to new Crewe Youth Zone
Cheshire East has given the go-ahead for a new burger bar next door to the upcoming Crewe Youth Zone, despite acknowledging in its planning policy health experts recommend restricting hot food takeaways around schools.
This week, the council's planning officers approved an application for the former Motorcise Gym, High Street, to be converted into CJ's Burger Joint, offering eat-in and takeaway options from 11am to 11pm, seven days a week.
The building is right next to Crewe Youth Zone, which is currently being built on the former Oak Street Car Park.
Cllr Jos Saunders (Poynton, Conservative), a former portfolio holder for children and families, was astounded by the decision.
Just six months ago at a corporate policy meeting, she had asked about health impact assessments when planning applications were submitted for fast food takeaways.
She was told by an officer: "There is a policy in place regarding the hot fast food takeaways in the vicinity of local schools, and restrictions on their opening hours, in Crewe only though."
This week Cllr Saunders told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I'm very disappointed by this recent decision.
"I have always had a great interest in ensuring that our children lead healthier lives.
"One of the ways in which we can help achieve this is by restricting takeaways around schools, colleges and places where young people meet."
Policy RET5 of Cheshire East's site allocations and development policies document (SADPD) states: "Where hot food takeaways are located within the 'hot food take away restriction zone' in Crewe, planning permission will be granted, subject to a condition that the premises are not open to the public before 5pm on weekdays and there is no over-the-counter sales before that time."
Supporting information explaining that states: "There is evidence that regular consumption of energy dense food from hot food takeaways is associated with weight gain and is appealing to children.
"A wide range of health experts recommend restricting the use of hot food takeaways, particularly around schools in order to create a healthier food environment."
The policy document also refers to the Cheshire East joint strategic needs assessment excess weight report, which found six wards in Crewe 'were particularly affected by excess weight amongst children and highlighted a need to consider the regulation of hot food takeaways in such areas'.
One of those wards is Crewe Central, which the former Motorcise and and most recently, Noor Fruit and Veg building, on High Street sits in.
The decision also comes after Cheshire East voted in October to stop companies advertising unhealthy food and drinks on council-owned land, buildings and vehicles in an attempt to reduce obesity among children and adults.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Cheshire East how granting permission for a takeaway so close to the youth zone fits in with the council's policy.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "The site for the proposed change of use lies outside of the 'hot food takeaway restriction zone' identified in SADPD policy RET5, as does the youth zone which has come forward after the SADPD.
"The application was therefore determined in accordance with relevant planning policies."
READ MORE: Row over proposed new entrance to pocket park in Crewe.
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