Southend-on-Sea City Council is backing stronger planning controls to help tackle childhood obesity, following Cabinet's approval of the Director of Public Health's Annual Report on 13 July 2026.
The report highlights the need to create healthier food environments for children and young people and supports planning policies that restrict new hot food takeaway developments within 400 metres of schools. The proposed exclusion zone reflects the distance many pupils walk to and from school, helping to reduce their exposure to unhealthy food options.
The recommendation forms part of the council's wider ongoing approach to tackling obesity through planning, education, physical activity and community support. It will also help inform the emerging Local Plan and future planning decisions across the city.
Southend currently has 219 fast food outlets, a figure above the national average for its population. Childhood obesity remains a significant challenge, with the latest figures showing that 22.7% of children in Reception are overweight or obese, rising to 33.8% by Year 6 - meaning around one in three children leave primary school carrying excess weight.
The Annual Public Health Report highlights how the environments in which people live, learn and work can influence health outcomes and calls for coordinated action to make healthier choices easier for residents.
Cllr Maxine Sadza, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities, said:
"Around one in three children in Southend are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school. We cannot ignore the impact this can have on their health and wellbeing both now and later in life.
"Supporting families to make healthier choices remains vital, but we also need to ensure the environments around our schools support good health. Restricting new fast-food outlets within 400 metres of schools is a practical, evidence-based measure that can help reduce children's exposure to unhealthy food options during the school day.
"The Director of Public Health's Annual Report makes clear that tackling obesity requires action across a range of areas. By working together across planning, public health, schools and communities, we can create healthier neighbourhoods and give our children the best possible start in life."
The council will continue to work with partners across the city to support healthier lifestyles, improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities for residents.