BRADFORD Council's policy of blocking new takeaway premises from opening near schools and parks has been supported by a Government planning inspector.

An appeal to turn a former Co-op store in Cullingworth into a pizza takeaway restaurant has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

The appeal followed two unsuccessful planning applications to convert a section of the ex-store, in Greenside Lane, into a hot food takeaway.

Council planning officers had argued that the business would be too close to Parkside School, the village primary school, the local park/recreation field, village hall and cricket club.

Introduced in 2014 in an attempt to combat childhood obesity, the council's hot food takeaway policy prevents new takeaways from opening within 400 metres of a school, park or leisure facility.

The policy does not apply in city, town or village centres.

Applicant B Frudd lodged an appeal against the council's refusal with the Planning Inspectorate in May.

He argued that the Co-op sold 'unhealthy' food when it was based in the unit, and pointed out that the site would be in the Cullingworth local centre if the upcoming Bradford District Local Plan was approved.

The appeal also claimed the business would add to the vibrancy of Cullingworth.

But planning inspector Sarah Manchester has dismissed the appeal, and supported the council policy.

In her decision report she said: "The proposal would not contribute to a healthy neighbourhood food environment. It would not make a positive contribution to the health of the local community, and children in particular.

"I note the suggestion that a cafe or restaurant could sell similar food, including takeaways, as a takeaway. Also, convenience stores generally sell confectionery and baked goods, which would be attractive and affordable to children. Be that as it may, there is little evidence that a lawful use of the appeal building would have the same impact on children's health and the health of the community as a hot food takeaway."

The building would be split into two units in the plan, and Mrs Manchester pointed out that this would mean two sets of employees and two customer bases, which could cause traffic problems and "harm the safe operation of the highway".

She added: "I note the suggestion that the proposal would contribute to the vibrancy of Cullingworth.

"However, as the village already appears relatively vibrant, this is a matter that carries little weight in favour of the scheme."