BRAINTREE: School wins battle to stop takeaway

By aleys

THE aroma of fast food wafting across a school forecourt will not be tempting schoolchildren after planners threw out an application for a takeaway near Braintree's Alec Hunter Humanities College.

Residents are overjoyed after planning officers used delegated powers to refuse the Stubbs Lane application to convert a former hairdresser to a hot food takeaway.

Braintree council received more than 40 objections from residents and the school head teacher, citing noise, smell, traffic, vermin and the threat to children's health.

It follows a previous application last year which officers had recommended for approval before it met with public outcry and was ultimately refused by councillors on the planning committee.

Pupil Megan Vickers, 13, said: "I wouldn't have gone there, but I know a lot of people would have – and it wouldn't have been very good for them."

Her mum Beverley, from Martens Meadow, said she thought the application had been a cynical attempt to tap in to the schoolchildren market.

"I could definitely imagine kids getting out of school, some with their parent's permission, and going straight there. It is a nice quiet residential area and there are plenty of other takeaways around."

Proximity to a school is not a material consideration in planning matters but the decision was hailed as a victory for common sense by the School Food Trust.

Brian Dow from the trust said: "We support Braintree Council's decision. If we want to make a difference to the health of our children then such action needs to be taken.

"It is great to see councils and parents coming together and demonstrating that the campaign for better food is moving in the right direction."

Head at Alec Hunter Andrew Hutchinson said: "There are about 10 takeaways within walking distance that provide a wide variety of choice. We were not concerned about pupils during the school day. We encourage pupils to choose healthy food and we educate them about what makes food healthy. Having a takeaway right on your school gates undermines the good work of the school."

Applicant Kanagaratnam Kanageswaran said the takeaway was needed, would give a use to an empty shop, and provide employment. But council planners ruled the noise, traffic and general disturbance would "adversely harm this residential area".