Takeaways will no longer be able to open near schools in bid to tackle ‘real problem’ of child obesity

COUNCILS will get beefed-up powers to stop takeaway outlets opening near schools.

Though many town halls already have curbs on fast food joints, their decisions are often overturned on appeal.

Doug Seeburg - The Sun

Councils will get beefed-up powers to stop takeaway outlets opening near schools[/caption]

It is believed at least 43 councils in England and Wales have been challenged by KFC alone since 2017.

A Government insider said: “We have a real problem with childhood obesity, yet councils trying to tackle it are being thwarted.”

The boost for councils is included in the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework.

It is being consulted on and could be announced later this year.

Almost a quarter of ten and 11-year-olds in England are obese, according to a study this year.

And English kids are four times more likely to be obese than French youths.

The Department of Health said the obesity crisis is setting kids up for “an unhealthy life” and ministers will “tackle issues head on, including by stopping fast food shops deliberately targeting children”.