Rotherham Council’s second bid to ban takeaways from within 800m of schools

A FRESH bid to ban takeaways near schools is heading for public consultation.

Rotherham Council tried to include the rule in its Local Plan after a KFC was allowed near Canklow Woods Primary on appeal in 2012.

But this was thwarted in 2017 by government inspectors who said the authority’s move was not justified or in line with national policy.

Now RMBC is trying to add the rule through new Local Plan supplementary documents. It would mean that hot food outlets are not allowed within 800 metres of schools.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the economy, said: “I think this is really important when we have a crisis with obesity. 

“To be able to have some control over that will be absolutely marvellous for residents.”

It would also cover colleges but exceptions could be made in some built-up areas, the council said.

A month of consultation will open on October 7, after which cabinet members will have the final say.

Opinions will also be sought on the proposal of asking for electric vehicle charging points where new house and workplace developments have parking spaces.