Council ponders fast food levy

A council is considering imposing a £1,000 levy on new hot food takeaway shops.

Oldham Council wants to control the spread of fast food outlets in the town, partly to address "community health issues".

It is understood town hall chiefs want to tackle rising obesity problems and the density of kebab shops, curry houses and pizza shops.

It plans to forbid takeaways from being sited next door to each other and proposes a minimum of three shops between groups of takeaways.

Council bosses also recommended a possible one-off upfront payment of £1,000 to go towards the provision of new litter bins and/or the promotion of healthy eating.

There should also be no new planning permission granted to fast food shops that fall within 500 metres of a school.

A report to councillors states the latter two proposals may need lobbying to central government for a change in planning legislation to enable it to enforce the measures.

A full meeting of Oldham Council will discuss the plans tonight.