Plans for 'healthy food' takeaway at Gwent leisure centre
IN a bid to combat obesity levels plans for a health food takeaway to be sited at a Blaenau Gwent leisure centre have been lodged with county planners.
Carley Mitchell has submitted a proposal to change the use of a patch of land to the south of Abertillery Leisure centre so that shipping container can be placed there and transformed into a catering cabin.
Planning agent Paul Parsons of Creation design Wales explained the proposal in a planning statement.
Mr Parsons said: 'The applicant is a social enterprise set to help address the issues of childhood obesity.
'The kitchen will provide the healthy alternative to junk food.
'Meals such as chicken and rice, protein breakfasts, oats, protein desserts, salads, sandwiches, fruit, coffee, smoothies and a specials board will be freshly prepared daily.
'Nothing will be fried, and all will be baked and cooked via a hot plate.'
Mr Parsons points out that the leisure has 'no food facilities' at present and that the takeaway would be 'very much required' by people who use the centre as well as others who want a healthy nutritional meal 'at an affordable price.'
Mr Parsons said: 'There are an abundance of families struggling in the area financially therefore I (the applicant) will be pledging a set number of free meals weekly to those in need and also will run a pay it forward scheme where customers can buy menu items and offer food items back out via a ticket system for those in need of a meal or a beverage.'
The proposal will create at least one job, and Mr Parsons claims that it will provide work for 'possibly' two more people.
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He points out that the kitchen would 'increase footfall' for the leisure centre and it is known that Aneurin Leisure Trust are experiencing financial problems.
Mr Parsons said: 'The applicant is passionate about supporting this as I feel our leisure facilities are extremely important for the community.
'It is a hub where all our physical, mental and emotional needs are met and supported.'
According to the submitted documents the takeaway would be open between 8am and 5pm on weekdays and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays.
A decision on the application is expected by August 12.
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