1. Maria Dunn Planning Policy Team Leader Worcester City Council
Planning for Health Supplementary Planning Document: The District Perspective
Maria Dunn
Planning Policy Team Leader
Worcester City Council

2. Why get involved?
Continuation of joint planning work across south Worcestershire
Political desire to improve health and well-being
Increased awareness of the links between planning and health

3. Key Issues Planning arose from public health concerns
National Planning Policy Framework includes a specific requirement to promote healthy communities.
National Planning Practice Guidance further outlines the importance of health in planning.

4. Relationship with the Development Plan
South Worcestershire Development Plan sets out the development strategy, site allocations and planning policies for south Worcestershire.
Health and well-being embedded throughout the Plan

5. Health Impact Assessment
SPD requires certain types of development to undertake HIA Screening or a full HIA and provides a template.
Can be part of wider impact assessment
Submitted to LPA for review – support from Directorate of Public Health
Screening results may lead to a request for a full HIA
Findings should be addressed in the scheme’s design.

6. Aging Population and Dementia
The SPD specifically aims to address some of the issues associated with an aging population promoting:
Accessible public transport within walking distance of homes
Opportunities for recreational walking.
Lifetime Homes
Dementia friendly environments

7. Implementation
SPD will be adopted in September but is already starting to be used.
Training will be provided for development managemnt officers on the implementation of the SPD.
Continue to work with County colleagues – particularly on assessing HIAs.

8. Case Study – Former Crown Packaging Works, Worcester
215 new dwellings
Voluntary HIA
Set out socio-economic characteristics of the ward and known health issues
Identified the elements of the scheme that could have health impacts – positive and negative

9. Lessons Learnt
Understanding of links between planning and healthy ageing/dementia considerations
Better joint working between planning and public health
Successful county/district cooperation
Timing is key
HIAs & Monitoring to measure success and identify next steps
Stronger policy hooks needed in any future Plan review