Introduction: Access to hot food takeaways, particularly near schools, is of growing concern for policymakers seeking to reduce childhood obesity globally. In England, United Kingdom (UK), local government jurisdictions are implementing planning policies to reduce access by restricting or denying planning permission for new takeaway outlets near schools. We used a qualitative approach to explore local government officers perspectives on the barriers to and facilitators of the adoption, implementation, and perceived effectiveness of these policies. Methods: In 2021-2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 local planning ("planners") and public health government officers from 15 different local authorities across England who adopted a policy to restrict new takeaways. Data were analysed thematically. Results: Participants explained that they mostly thought the policies facilitated the refusal of applications for new takeaways near schools. However, participants speculated that businesses identified alternative opportunities to operate including functioning as "restaurants" or within other locations. Effective working relationships between planners and public health officers were important for adoption and implementation, although planning and public health agendas did not always align and there were tensions between economic development and health improvement goals. The policy was adapted to suit local needs and priorities; in some cases, the policy was not used in areas where economic growth was prioritised. Clarity in policy wording and establishing a formal process for implementing policies including a designated individual responsible for checking and reviewing takeaway applications helped ensure consistency and confidence in policy implementation. Conclusion: Although sometimes challenging, the policies were commonly described as feasible to implement. However, they may not completely prevent new takeaways opening, particularly where takeaways are relied upon to enhance local economies or where takeaway businesses find alternative ways to operate. Nevertheless, the policies can serve to shift the balance of power that currently favours commercial interests over public health priorities

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research Programme (Project number: NIHR130597). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. MK, MW, JA and TB were supported by the Medical Research Council (grant number MC_UU_00006/7). OM was supported by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (MR/T041226/1). CT was supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East of England.

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