A SCHOOL has won its fight to stop a takeaway being opened outside its gates.

Proposals for the fast food outlet were chucked out, following complaints from the school, councillors and the public.

Concerns had been raised the school’s healthy eating policy, which has been nationally recognised, would be put at risk.

More than 40 objections were raised about the takeaway opening opposite the Alec Hunter Humanities College, in Stubbs Lane, Braintree.

Other concerns raised included smell, litter and vermin, as well as increased traffic and parking issues.

Headteacher Andrew Hutchingson had objected to council planners, and Professor Chris Green, chairman of governors, spoke out against the plan.

He said: “Alec Hunter Humanities College is a nationally-recognised healthy school and clearly that kind of agenda is not necessarily consistent with fast-food outlets.”

In his objection, Mr Hutchinson said as there were at least eight different fast-food outlets within walking distance of the school, another would be unnecessary.

The School Food Trust expressed its support for the planning officers’ decision and applauded the objections.

The trust has previously published a junk food temptation league table, which reveals there are on average 23 junk food outlets for every school in the UK.

David Mann, district councillor for Bocking North, who has been against the plans, said: “I think it’s a clear sign of planners listening to public opinion.

“There was the additional concern of the effect on Alec Hunter high school. There’s no use a school having a healthy eating agenda if there’s a fast-food outlet within site of the school gates.”

Kanagaratnam Kanageswaran wanted to turn a former hairdressers into the takeaway.

A supporting statement with the application said the takeaway would benefit the community and local economy.

Mr Kanageswaran was unavailable for comment.