The fight against fast food restaurants in Waltham Forest is being won, according to the council which has turned down 83 per cent of new applications in the last five years.

In 2009 the council implemented the Hot Food Takeaway (HFT) Planning Policy, giving committee members the power to say no to fast food restaurant applications if they were close to a school or youth centre.

Since this was agreed 54 planning applications for new fast food outlets in the borough have been refused.

During this time the overall number of outlets in the borough has dropped by 60.

Most recently, on September 17, the Planning Inspectorate upheld a decision made by Waltham Forest Council to refuse permission for a new takeaway at 272 Church Road in Leyton.

Councillor Clare Coghill, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and High Streets. Said that the policy, which has since been implemented by other councils has been a successful way to help the community.

She said: “What we wanted to do was to stop takeaways targeting our young people.

“The health benefits from diverting children away from a regular lunchtime diet of chicken and chips are obvious, but there were other considerations too.

“In addition to helping combat childhood obesity, we also know that kids who enjoy a decent nutritious meal at lunchtime, rather than a whole load of fatty carbs, have better levels of concentration, energy and attention.

“It’s not just our children’s waistlines that a diet of junk food impacts on, it also plays a part in holding back their learning and attainment.

“Plus of course the policy also stops too many shops ruining the high street, and cuts down on elements such as noise, smell, litter and anti-social behaviour.”