A HEALTHY takeaway service has praised Braintree Council on its proposal to banish takeaways near schools.

Earlier this month the district council proposed a new policy saying takeaways will be turned down if they prove to have a negative impact on health.

Proposals for new hot food takeaways within 200m of primary or secondary schools will be restricted and opening hours will be limited to after 5pm on school days.

Lunch time opening will only be permitted where schools within 200m do not allow pupils to freely leave school during lunch breaks.

Love Food and Drink, a new healthy takeaway service based in Witham, has said the move will improve the learning of schoolchildren.

All produce at the takeaway service comes from local farms, and they are also passionate about gluten free, dairy free and vegan dishes.

Katie Tyson, company director for the alternative takeaway service, said: "Limiting fast food establishments from selling high fat or sugary meals will have major benefits to the concentration levels of the children.

"Not enough people are aware how important is it that kids are consuming the right kinds of food to progress in their learning.

"We are passionate about providing balanced wholesome meals for the children, which is why all of our kids meals come with fresh vegetables.

“Access to good, fresh, real food has the power to transform lives. Limiting fast food establishments from selling high fat, sugary meals and snacks to our children while on a school lunch break can only be a good thing."

The council will work with developers at pre-application stage to assess the impact of any development on health and wellbeing.