‘Healthy’ fast-food shop move rejected over ‘takeaway exclusion zone’ policy

Council planners have refused permission for a “health-focused” fast-food business to relocate to new premises in Wakefield due to it being within a “takeaway exclusion zone.”

The owner of Sofra Express Grill Kitchen applied to Wakefield Council to move into a vacant betting shop around 250m from its current location on Alverthorpe Road.

A planning statement submitted to the local authority described the business as “a modern grill kitchen, offering freshly prepared, healthier fast-food options, including grilled meats, balanced meals, and meal prep services.”

But officers rejected the scheme, saying it would “encourage a pattern of unhealthy eating.”

The applicant said the takeaway had traded successfully at its current base for two years and needed larger premises to expand after building a “strong customer base” and establishing a “demand for healthier grilled takeaway food.”

They added: “Sales data demonstrates that grilled protein boxes are the highest-selling items by a significant margin, confirming strong demand.”

The owner also said they had engaged with local gyms and fitness groups before submitting the plans.

The hot food takeaway exclusion zone policy was adopted in January 2024 when the council approved a new Local Plan – a legal document that sets out a framework for development in the district.

Under the guidelines, application for takeaways located within 400m of a secondary school are not be supported unless they are in a town centre.

A planning officer’s report acknowledged that the new business would not be within 400m of a secondary school but said it was close to sites “where children and young people are likely to congregate”, including Flanshaw Junior & Infants School and Balne Lane community centre.

The document also said: “There are also a large number of existing hot food takeaways in close proximity to the site on Alverthorpe Road and Balne Lane.

“It is considered that the proposed development would increase the visibility of hot food takeaways and encourage a pattern of unhealthy eating within an area that already experiences high levels of health deprivation.”

Five comments of support for the proposals were submitted to the council and there were two objections.

One supporter said: “As a working mother with young children, having access to good quality, freshly prepared food locally has made a genuine difference to our family.

“We regularly choose this business because it offers healthier grilled food options for our family.

“In a world where convenience often means unhealthy choices, it is refreshing to have a local business that provides nutritious meals that I can feel good about serving to my children.”

Another commented: “I fully support this application. Sofra Express offers healthy, freshly prepared food that is very different from typical takeaways in the area and provides a great option for people looking for healthier choices.”

Those opposed to the plans said it would create an “over-concentration of takeaways in the area” and raised concerns over parking issues.