High streets in Waltham Forest have been listed as among the "unhealthiest" in London, according to research. 

The Bakers Arms area, linking Hoe Street, Lea Bridge Road and High Road, Leyton, has been ranked the ninth unhealthiest in London in a report published today by the Royal Society for Public Health. 

The rankings are based on the concentration of businesses deemed to have the most negative impact on health, which include fast-food outlets, payday lenders, bookmakers and tanning salons. 

Each business in the capital's 144 specified 'high streets' were scored between -2 and +2, with researchers visiting each street and recording the number of occupied and empty premises. 

Researchers judged each business on the extent to which they encouraged healthy lifestyle choices, promoted social interaction, allowed greater access to health services and promoted mental wellbeing.

Other areas ranked high included Highams Park, in 15th, and Wood Street in Walthamstow, which was placed 33rd overall.  

Almost every high street in Waltham Forest was ranked in the top 90, with Chingford Mount listed as the least unhealthy in the borough. 

One of the key problems outlined as facing local authorities was the relaxed planning laws surrounding betting and pay-day loan shops. 

Each fall in the A2 category, whereby shops that were formerly takeaways and wine bars can convert without planning permission.   

High streets considered as promoting a healthier lifestyle were those which included health services, pharmacies, leisure clubs, libraries and museums. 

Today's figures have been released as part of the Royal Society's campaign calling for councils to have greater powers to curtailing so-called 'unhealthy' businesses.

Other measures proposed include mandatory public health criteria as a licensing condition and legislation to enable discounted business rates for businesses which encourage healthier lifestyles. 

The reports said: "Our research does find higher concentrations of unhealthy businesses exist in London boroughs which already experience high levels of deprivation and premature mortality.

"It highlights the need for increased communication between businesses, the public and town planners to make London a fitter and healthier place to live," said Shirley Cramer, chief executive of the Royal Society for Public Health." 

Last year, council leaders across London called for tougher licensing powers to prevent high streets from the 'blight' of betting shops.

The number of bookmakers across the borough has trebled in the last five years, according to the deputy leader of Waltham Forest council Clyde Loakes.   

Whitechapel topped the list as the most unhealthy high street in London, with Whetstone taking first place as having the highest number of businesses promoting healthier lifestyles.