Chippy told it must sell fruit and veg if it wants to open - and it's not the only change it needs to make

The health board said obesity levels in the county are already well above the national average

Health bosses have made an unusual demand for a planned chippy to offer a "good selection" of fruit and vegetables if it's to be granted permission to open. They are calling for the takeaway to stock items with reduced levels of fat, salt, and sugar and to provide "healthy alternatives that are fresh and affordable".

The idea from Betsi Cadwaladr health board underlines a tough stance on the new food establishment proposed in Morfa Bychan, near Porthmadog, highlighting concerns about obesity levels in Gwynedd, which stand significantly higher than the national average. Additionally, there's an expectation set for the chippy to cut down on sugary drinks and facilitate access to tap water for refilling water bottles.

The board's vision might lead to chips accompanied by kale or fish paired with watercress, moving away from conventional fizzy drinks to healthier options like kombucha, coconut water or pomegranate juice. The health board is concerned about the number of takeaways already present in the vicinity, reports North Wales Live.

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The area is popular with tourists because it's near Black Rock Sands, but the board insists that locals' health could be affected. The intended location of the new shop is just two doors away from an existing chippy, and there are four other venues offering similarly sweet and fatty products within a 0.7-mile radius.

In a planning document, it was said: "While we appreciate this is only one extra takeaway unit, this would still be one additional takeaway than what is currently available. It is this cumulative impact that is of concern."

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board highlighted the current situation by noting that the local Porthmadog West ward ranks at number 1,661 out of 1,909 Welsh areas for deprivation. Additionally, they pointed out worrying statistics indicating that 23.7% of children aged four to five in Gwynedd are overweight or obese, a figure which rises to 60% for those over 16 years old.

The health board argued that the density of takeaways and the type of food offered exacerbate health issues for the locals all year round, not just during the holiday season. To combat this, Betsi recommended incorporating "small changes and nudges" towards healthier menu offerings, which could cater to a wider range of dietary needs and preferences.

Public Health Wales has estimated the cost of obesity to the NHS in Wales at £73m, with projections suggesting this figure could soar to £465m by 2050. In a bold move last year, KFC contested planning policies from at least 43 councils in England that aimed to limit new hot food takeaways, succeeding in over half of these challenges.

A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board commented: "Our Public Health Team routinely responds to planning applications which are of public health significance from planning authorities. This includes food applications."