Woody's Pizza Expansion Plans Rejected in Bacup

Woody's Pizza, a takeaway chain in Lancashire, has had its expansion plans blocked by the Rossendale Borough Council due to concerns about childhood obesity in Bacup. The council cited local statistics showing that 20% of Year 6 pupils and 11.6% of Reception-aged children in the Greensclough ward are obese, exceeding their policy thresholds for approving new takeaways. Despite Woody's Pizza emphasizing their use of minimal salt and sugar and sourcing ingredients locally, the council maintained that the new site would not contribute to the town's heritage or diversity. Local resident Eric Halliwell opposed the decision, arguing that children in the area are not overweight and that the town could benefit from increased business. Previous similar applications have been denied under the same criteria, highlighting ongoing community and council tensions over public health and economic development.