Waltham Forest council is to ban fast food outlets from opening within 400m of schools and parks as part of a drive to improve children's health.

The council will become the first local authority in the country to impose such rules.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls threw his weight behind the proposals earlier this year - insisting there was "no point" banning junk food in schools if kids could get it nearby.

Council leader Clyde Loakes confirmed that the restrictions would go ahead, after a public consultation found 93% backed it.

"That is a really good endorsement," he said. "We would expect the measures to be in place by April.

"We have hundreds of fast food outlets in the borough, and there is a big issue to do with our children's health.

"We are trying to encourage them not to go out round lunchtime so they have a school meal or packed lunch."

The council also hopes that the changes will reduce litter in the London borough.

Under the planning guidance, new hot food takeaways will not be allowed within 400m of schools, youth facilities, or parks.

There will also be a crackdown on takeaway "zones" - with no more than two of the eateries allowed next to each other.

© Press Association 2008