Have your say on takeaway limits
Plans seeking to limit the number of takeaways in Birmingham have been unveiled for public consultation by the city council.
The Shopping and Local Centres Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) aims to limit the number of takeaways allowed within 73 defined local shopping areas.
It wants to set maximum levels for non-retail units and takeaways within the local centres, beyond which planning approval for new premises would not be granted.
In larger areas at least 55 per cent of buildings in the shopping area would be required to retain a retail use, down to 50 per cent in small areas. The guidelines state that "no more than 10 per cent" of units in any area should be takeaways.
If agreed by the council following consultation, the rules and limits would apply to all new planning applications in the 73 specified areas. Existing businesses would not be affected.
Councillor Peter Douglas Osborne, chairman of the planning committee, said: "The document will finally give us in Birmingham the powers to take a more pragmatic approach when it comes to considering applications for yet more takeaway establishments in areas already saturated with fast food outlets.
"Often closed during the day, yet at their busiest and nosiest at night when many neighbouring residents are winding down, an over supply of these establishments can have really detrimental effect on any area."
The number of takeaways in Birmingham has grown rapidly over recent years to more than 1,000.
Public consultation on the SPD will run until 19 December.
