PLANS to create a SEVENTH takeaway on a 70-yard stretch of a town centre street have been submitted to Barnsley Council’s planning board.
There are currently six takeaways on Wellington Street, all within a 30-second walk of one another.
An application has been submitted to the council to add a seventh, the Chronicle can reveal.
It comes after it was revealed that Barnsley ranked the lowest in England for healthy life expectancy for women, who are expected to live just 52.6 years in good health.
It’s a similar story for men, whose healthy life expectancy of 52.8 years is the second lowest in the country.
Healthy life expectancy refers to the number of years a person can expect to live in good health, without being limited by illness or disability. It takes into account not just how long people live, but how many of those years are spent in a state of good health, free from chronic diseases, injuries, or conditions that affect daily life.
Coun Nicola Sumner, who represents the Central ward, told the Chronicle: “It’s very disappointing to know that Barnsley women live the least health lives in the country.
“As a town, we have struggled with economic inequality as long as I have been alive and our health is a reflection of this.
“I could talk all day about it.
“As a councillor I can say the new diagnostic centre planned for the Alhambra is millions of pounds of investment to help get Barnsley residents the treatment they need, in a central location and hopefully speedier appointments.
“When it comes to the town centre, it looks fantastic from the money put in and makes me even more proud of our town.
“An important part of this is our long-standing and thriving night-time economy, when other neighbouring towns are really struggling.
“The council and pubs have worked hard on raising standards, particularly safety for women when they are enjoying a night out.”
In regards to the application, Coun Sumner says she will listen to residents’ concerns regarding the plans.
She added: “When I look at the takeaway application for Wellington Street I have to be honest, we’ve all fancied a takeaway after a night out.
“I also know the risks of starting a new business and pressure of turning a profit.
“Fortunately, we have a strong planning department and licensing team at the council.
“They will look at the merit of each application together with the regulations in place and make a recommendation to councillors.
“I also listen hard to what Central ward residents might tell me before making any decision.”
The planning application - submitted by applicant Mohammed Jabir Kadambil - states that the new takeaway is ‘much-needed’.
It added: “The proposal involves the change of use of the premises from its current use to a fast-food takeaway, including internal alterations to accommodate kitchen facilities, a service counter, and the provision of seating for customers if applicable.
“The change of use is appropriate given the surrounding context, where other fast food outlets and retail businesses are present.
“The proposed development will not detract from the local character and will provide an additional service to the community.
“The development will provide a much-needed service to the local community and will be designed in such a way that it enhances the area rather than detracts from it.”
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “A planning application has been submitted for change of use to a hot food takeaway on Wellington Street, Barnsley.
“The application is now open for public consultation via the planning portal until April 10 and any comments will be taken into consideration as part of the planning process.
"As part of the process, our Public Health team is assessing the application against the requirements of the hot food takeaway planning guidance to ensure that residents' health and wellbeing is taken into account to inform planning decisions."
