Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 March 2026. It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Fast Food: Planning

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 12 September 2025, to Question 75184, on Fast Food: Planning, what his Department's policy if on whether sandwich shops are classed as fast food outlets.

Answer

As per my answer to Question UIN 75184 on 12 September 2025, it is for local planning authorities, when receiving a planning application, to consider whether, given the type of food and service to be provided at the location proposed, they consider the outlet to be either a hot food takeaway or a fast-food outlet.

Between 16 December 2025 and 10 March 2026, the government consulted on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The consultation on the revised Framework, which can be found on gov.uk here, sought feedback on the application of the term ‘fast-food outlets’ in planning decisions, and whether any further clarity could be provided on the types of establishments this policy should apply to.

We are currently analysing the feedback received and will publish our response in due course.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 122204
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Fast Food: Planning
Friday, 12 September 2025
Written questions
House of Commons; Take-away Food: Planning Permission
Friday, 12 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons; Take-away Food: Planning Permission
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Planning Fast food Hospitality industry
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Fast Food: Planning

Secondary information

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