Clustering of takeaway outlets around London schools: A geospatial analysis

Rising childhood obesity has been linked to unhealthy built food environments, prompting the inclusion of takeaway management zones in the revised 2024 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This study examines where takeaway outlet density is greatest around London schools, to guide policymakers on distance thresholds for takeaway management zones.

We used Ordnance Survey data on takeaway outlets and UK Government data on Greater London schools from December 2021. Deprivation was assessed using the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Extended spatial point pattern analyses were applied to assess takeaway outlet density by Euclidean distance and walking-time catchments from schools, and area-level deprivation of schools.

Across London, takeaway outlet density peaked within approximately 200 m of schools at around 12 outlets per km², approximately twice the Greater London average of 6 outlets per km², and remained above average up to around 400 m. The highest density within walking catchments was within 10 min, although distributions varied, reflecting four patterns: (i) localised peak with gradual decline, (ii) extended peak with further peaks, (iii) sustained high density with sharp decline, and (iv) low density with extended decline. Among outlets located within 400 m of schools, density peaked at approximately 9 takeaway outlets per km² in the 20-30% most deprived areas, compared with around 0.8 takeaway outlets per km² in the 10% least deprived areas - approximately 12 times higher. This deprivation gradient was not observed among takeaway outlets located more than 400 m from schools.

Findings support the implementation of takeaway management zones in London as outlined in the NPPF, set at 400m, or a 10-min walk from schools. However, variation across boroughs suggests local authorities may need to adjust the size or design of these zones. In the most deprived areas and central London, school-only measures may be insufficient, requiring complementary planning policies.