A LICHFIELD councillor said the decision to reject plans for a new McDonald’s outlet shows why a new local health policy is needed.
Planning officers turned down the proposals for the drive-thru outlet on the former Co-op headquarters plot off Eastern Avenue.
They cited concerns over the impact of such a development on residents living nearby.
Cllr Paul Ray, Liberal Democrat group leader at Lichfield District Council, said he also had concerns over the potential for fast-food restaurants to have a negative impact on the health of locals.
“I support this decision, but it raises another important issue which the Lichfield Lib Dems have raised as part of the consultation for the council’s Local Plan which will set out the strategy for housing and commercial development into the future in our area.
“We say that the wellbeing of our community is so important and that the Local Plan should include a local health policy. That will mean that a healthy lifestyle can be promoted for our community through the planning decisions our council takes.
“For example, we could then restrict in our area the number of fast-food restaurants and other outlets that are not consistent with promoting a healthy community – and at the same time, the planning system could be used to positively support applications that promote the health of our residents.
“This is not a nanny state approach, but our council doing what it can to positively make a difference to improve the health of our community. We all know that we have a health crisis in this country and it is not just for central government to tackle.
“Locallym our council can put in place measures that can make a difference.”