LANCASHIRE County Council will write to district local authorities councils urging them introduce tough new guidelines for approving planning applications for fast food takeaways.

The move follows its Full Council meeting adopting a motion from Cllr Charlie Edwards, the lead member for health.

The newly-approved guidelines suggest districts should establish 400metre takeaway exclusion zones around secondary schools.

They also suggest district planning authorities refuse applications for new outlets in wards where 15 per cent of year six children are obese.

Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn council already impose restrictions on new takeaways near all schools.

Cllr Edwards said: "These guidelines will ensure schoolchildren and those living in communities where obesity rates are higher aren't faced with more fast food options."

Burnley Borough is considering imposing new restrictions on takeaway applications near schools..