A Pizza Chain’s Expansion Dream Denied: Bacup Council Cites Childhood Obesity Concerns
Woody’s Pizza, a takeaway chain with two existing locations in northwest England, recently faced a setback in its expansion plans. The company’s application to open a third branch in Bacup, Lancashire, was rejected by Rossendale Borough Council. The council’s decision, met with both support and opposition from the community, hinges on concerns about childhood obesity rates in the area.
The council’s rationale centers on the premise that Bacup already has a high concentration of hot food takeaways—26 in total—and that introducing another one would exacerbate the existing problem of childhood obesity. Data presented by the council indicates that in the Greensclough ward, which encompasses Bacup, 20% of Year 6 students and 11.6% of Reception-age children are classified as obese. These figures exceed the council’s threshold for approving new takeaway establishments, which stipulates that no new hot food takeaways will be permitted in areas where more than 15% of Year 6 pupils or 10% of Reception pupils are obese.
Woody’s Pizza, in its application, emphasized its commitment to healthy ingredients and local sourcing. The company pledged to minimize salt and sugar in its recipes and to procure ingredients from Bacup’s local market, aiming to contribute positively to the local economy. However, the council remained unconvinced, arguing that the new takeaway would not enhance the town’s food and drink offerings and would detract from the character of a heritage building.
The council’s decision sparked controversy among Bacup residents, with some questioning the validity of the obesity claims. Eric Hallwell, a 75-year-old resident, expressed skepticism about the council’s assessment, stating that he observed no evidence of widespread obesity among local children. He further argued that encouraging new businesses like Woody’s Pizza would attract more people to Bacup, boosting the local economy and providing much-needed amenities for young people.
Others in the community support the council’s stance on health but suggest that a focus on healthy takeaway options could be a viable solution. Sarah O’Neill, co-owner of Nellie’s cafe, expressed her desire to expand her business into a healthy takeaway venture. She believes there’s a demand for nutritious, home-cooked meals and expressed concern that her application might be unfairly rejected due to the council’s current stance. Her argument highlights a possible middle ground: allowing businesses that prioritize healthy ingredients and preparation methods to operate, even within the context of concerns about overall takeaway density.
Woody’s Pizza expressed disappointment with the council’s decision, emphasizing its commitment to healthy practices and local sourcing. The company’s statement highlighted its difference from typical takeaways, emphasizing the use of fresh ingredients from local markets, minimal oil usage, and a lack of late-night operations or delivery drivers, factors often associated with negative community impacts. They argued that their business model, which includes sourcing ingredients from local markets and providing a different dining experience, makes them a valuable addition to the community.
The council’s decision raises complex questions about balancing public health concerns with economic development and individual business rights. While the council’s focus on childhood obesity is commendable, the blanket rejection of all new takeaway establishments, regardless of their individual characteristics, could be seen as overly restrictive. The differing opinions within the community highlight the need for a more nuanced approach that considers both health and economic considerations. A potential solution could involve stricter regulations on the types of food offered by takeaways, encouraging healthier options and potentially creating incentives for businesses that prioritize nutrition.
The case of Woody’s Pizza in Bacup underscores the challenges faced by local councils in navigating the complex landscape of public health, economic development, and community well-being. Finding the right balance between these competing interests requires careful consideration, open dialogue, and a willingness to explore alternative solutions that address all stakeholders’ concerns. The debate continues in Bacup, and the outcome will likely influence future policies regarding takeaway establishments in the area and potentially serve as a precedent for other communities facing similar challenges.
