STRICT guidelines have been drawn up in a bid to limit the number of takeaways opening in Rossendale.

A document has been published on the council’s website advising potential planning applicants on the policies they must follow to have any chance of opening a fast food shop.

The council’s guidelines read: “When compared to other retail uses, hot food takeaways have a greater potential to detract from resid-ential amenity and environmental quality through increased incidence of litter, odours, noise and general disturbance, parking and traffic problems.

“In recent years a number of retail units in the borough have been converted into hot food takeaway establishments.

“High concentrations of hot food takeaways in town and neighbourhood centres can have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of these centres and adversely affect the range of services offered to local communities by excluding other uses and services.”

A string of planning applications were rejected last year in Rawtenstall as councillors feared “takeaways were taking over the Valley.”

Coun Tony Swain, leader of the council, believes the new interim policy will benefit all parties involved in the issue.

He said: “This document is online for people to read it and leave their comments on.

“It is much needed policy which will help members, planners and the public when dealing with hot food take-aways.

“We need this policy in place so that when applicants want to open a takeaway, they can look at it and see if they need planning permission, and ultimately if they will be allowed to proceed with the development.”