Why Planning Matters for Public Health

Urban planning plays a pivotal role in shaping our daily lives—from the spaces we interact with to how we move around our communities. Yet, the connection between the built environment and public health is often overlooked in planning decisions. The proposed reforms to the NPPF present an opportunity to integrate health and wellbeing as central pillars of urban design.

Our response focuses on the potential of urban green and blue spaces (UGBS)—such as parks, rivers, and community gardens—to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce inequalities, and tackle public health challenges like obesity and heart disease.

GroundsWell's Key Recommendations

 

1. Mandating Green and Blue Spaces

We call for the national policy to mandate the inclusion of quality green and blue spaces in urban planning. These natural areas offer immense health benefits, promoting physical activity, reducing stress, and improving mental wellbeing. However, 6.1 million people in the UK lack access to such spaces within a 10-minute walk of their homes, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are particularly affected.

By requiring local authorities to prioritize the integration of UGBS, we can create healthier environments that are accessible and beneficial to all.

2. Prioritizing Active Travel Infrastructure

To address public health issues like childhood obesity, we recommend developing clear national guidelines for active travel infrastructure. Safe, accessible walking and cycling paths connecting residential areas with schools, workplaces, and recreational spaces are essential to encourage healthier lifestyles.

National policy should make it a priority for developers and planners to contribute to this infrastructure through developer contributions, ensuring a consistent approach across the country.

3. Community Engagement in Planning

GroundsWell advocates for greater community involvement in the planning process, with a specific focus on including children’s voices. Scotland has already led the way with frameworks that engage local populations in designing their green and blue spaces. When communities are involved, the resulting spaces are better suited to meet their health needs and are more likely to be well-used.

4. Health Impact Assessments (HIAs)

Health Impact Assessments should be mandatory for new developments, ensuring that potential health impacts are considered in all planning decisions. This would ensure that every new project contributes to improving health outcomes, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

5. Cross-Sector Collaboration

We stress the importance of collaboration between planners, public health officials, community organizations, and educators. A multidisciplinary approach will help ensure that health and wellbeing are integrated into all aspects of urban development. Examples like the inclusion of Healthy Planning Officers highlight how this collaboration can yield positive results.

Supporting Healthier Communities for the Future

In addition to these recommendations, GroundsWell proposes a robust framework for monitoring and accountability in planning decisions. Local authorities should be assessed on their effectiveness in promoting health and wellbeing through their policies. Furthermore, targeted funding and resources are essential to support the development and maintenance of green and blue spaces, especially in underserved communities.

By embedding health considerations into the planning system, we can create environments that promote physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social connection—leading to healthier, more vibrant communities for all.

Moving Forward

As the government reviews the proposed reforms to the NPPF, GroundsWell urges policymakers to seize this opportunity to align urban development with public health goals. Integrating green and blue spaces, prioritising active travel, and involving communities in decision-making are critical steps toward healthier and more equitable cities.

You can read our full response here.

Elly King, Research Impact Lead

Media

groundswell@qub.ac.uk