SPD19 - Hot Food Takeaways

This Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provides supporting information and guidance on how the Local Planning Authority will assess planning applications for hot food takeaways where planning permission is required, for example for new hot food takeaways or applications for a variation of opening times.

Following a six-week period running from 26th January 2026 until 9th March 2026, this SPD was adopted with effect from 30th June 2026.

Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment screening

The Council has undertaken an initial screening of the SPD to determine whether there is need for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with Regulation 9 (3) of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 and European Directive 2001/42/EC.

Before making a formal determination in relation to SEA, there is a requirement to consult the three statutory consultation bodies designated in the Regulations (the Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England) on whether environmental assessment is required. All three bodies have responded to say that they agree with the Council’s conclusions that the draft SPD does not require a Strategic Environmental Assessment.

Similarly, the Council has undertaken a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening assessment of the SPD to determine whether there is a need for a Habitats Regulations Assessment in accordance with Regulation 63 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended)1 and European Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive). The Council’s conclusion is that the draft SPD does not require a Habitats Regulations Assessment.