Concerns raised about the number of takeaways in Hartlepool

By Gbam Godwin On Jan 3, 2026

Concerns raised about the number of takeaways in Hartlepool.

Concerns have been raised over the quantity of takeaways in Hartlepool, with council and health officials asking families to consider home cooking as an option.

Councillor Sue Little called for more steps to be taken to assist prevent new takeaways from establishing in the town, expressing concern about the amount of such establishments that are already operational.

At the recent Hartlepool Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, a Seaton ward member expressed concern over young people’s easy access to unhealthy food.

One of her proposals was that all applications for new hot food takeout be presented to the council’s planning committee for consideration by councillors.

Councillor Sue Little wants

Cllr Little stated, “We’ve got to look at that to try and conquer kids who think it’s okay to go get X, Y, and Z from a takeaway.”

“To make it at home would be loads better and more fun.”

Hartlepool Borough Council’s interim head of public health, Chris Woodcock, has implemented procedures to mitigate any health risks during the planning process.

However, he cautioned of “ever-emerging challenges” such as the expansion of home delivery services such as Uber Eats and Just Eat, as well as what defines a takeout under planning rules.

Julian Penton, from Hartlepool Community Trust, says the issue of takeaways in Hartlepool is a "huge problem". — Julian Penton, from Hartlepool Community Trust, says the issue of takeaways in Hartlepool is a “huge problem”.

He went on to say, “It is a constant battle.”

The comments came after a presentation about the Hartlepool Food Partnership’s activities.

It brings together organizations such as the council, businesses, the voluntary and community sector, and the NHS to give everyone the best possible access to healthy, sustainable, and cheap products.

Julian Penton of Hartlepool Community Trust stated that the council’s planning and public health teams have already “done great work” in avoiding planning approval for new takeaways in some areas, such as near schools.

He did, however, concede that the matter is a “huge problem”.

Workshops with schools and cooking classes are among the ways the food alliance promotes healthy and sustainable food.

In 2024, Hartlepool ranked 37th out of 128 local government areas in terms of takeaways per capita, down from fourth place in 2017.

Previously, the council’s planning committee refused plans for a new fish and chip restaurant in Elwick Road and a takeout serving pizzas, kebabs, and burgers in Raby Road on health concerns.