Integrating Health into Local Plans: A Comparative Review of Health Requirements for Urban Development in Seven Local Planning Authorities in England

Rosalie Callway (), Anna Le Gouais, Emma L. Bird, Michael Chang and Judi Kidger
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Rosalie Callway: Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1–5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 1NU, UK
Anna Le Gouais: Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1–5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 1NU, UK
Emma L. Bird: Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
Michael Chang: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK
Judi Kidger: Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1–5 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 1NU, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 5, 1-36

Abstract: A local plan is a statutory policy document that supports urban development decisions across a local government area in England. Local plans are reported to need more specific requirements for development proposals regarding wider health determinants to address potential health outcomes and health inequalities. This study reviews the integration of Health in Local Plans of seven local planning authorities through documentary analysis methods. A review framework was formulated based on health and planning literature regarding local plans, health policy and determinants of health and dialogue with a local government partner. The findings identify opportunities to strengthen the consideration of Health in Local Plans, including ensuring that policies are informed by local health priorities and signpost national guidance, strengthening health-related requirements for developers (e.g., indoor air quality, fuel poverty and security of tenure) and improving implementation of requirements for developers (e.g., through adoption of health management plans and community ownership). The study identifies further research needs regarding how policies are interpreted by developers in practice, and on national guidance for Health Impact Assessment. It highlights the benefit of undertaking a comparative review, contrasting local plan policy language and identifying opportunities to share, adapt and strengthen planning requirements regarding health outcomes.

Keywords: planning policy; determinants of health; comparative review; urban development; spatial planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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