New guidance launched to help local authorities promote health through Local Plans
New practical guidance to help local authorities in England create places that promote health has been co-authored by a UWE Bristol academic.
Dr Emma Bird co-authored the guidance which has been launched by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and the TRUUD research programme.
Local Plans are key statutory documents through which local planning authorities set out a vision and framework for how an area will change and develop. The new guidance was created in response to research that found that while Local Plans have the potential to create healthy places, they can be weak and inconsistent on how exactly this can be achieved.
‘Planning for healthy places: a practical guide for local authorities on embedding health in Local Plans and planning policies in England’ includes clear guidance, evidence and recommendations (with specific examples from adopted Local Plans) that should be considered when developing health-focused Local Plans and policies.
Co-lead author Dr Bird, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at UWE Bristol, said: “Our research identified a clear gap between what local authorities want to achieve in terms of creating healthier places and available guidance on exactly how to do this. As well as being a user-friendly guide for planning and public health officers and elected members, it will be useful for other local and national stakeholders such as people working in transport, sustainability and community engagement.”
Co-lead author Gemma Hyde, Projects and Policy Manager at the TCPA, said: “We know from our work with local authorities that there is a desire to better embed health and wellbeing into local plans, but often officers find it difficult to know where and how to begin. This guidance, which is evidenced based, practical and inspirational, offers a process and support for creating healthy local plans, signposting to resources and highlighting examples of high-quality adopted policy.
“The TCPA is committed to supporting local authorities and can offer free training, support and facilitated workshops to places and communities looking to plan, design and build places for healthy lives.”
The guidance was created with planning and public health officers from seven local authorities in England – Bristol City Council, Guildford Borough Council, Medway Council, Northumberland County Council, Southampton City Council, Surrey County Council, and Walsall Council.
It will updated as appropriate and in response to any changes in national policy.
Dr Bird is a member of TRUUD (Tackling the Root causes Upstream of Unhealthy Urban Development). Based at the University of Bristol, and with researchers across six different universities, TRUUD is a £10 million research project, looking at how urban places can be planned to reduce non-communicable diseases such as cancers, diabetes, obesity, mental ill-health and respiratory illness.
Related news
15 November 2024
Global body confidence education project supported by UWE Bristol reaches 20 year milestone
A global initiative supported by UWE Bristol to build body confidence and self-esteem for the next generation of young people has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
22 October 2024
‘Life changing’ prosthetic leg developed at UWE Bristol to be trialled at global competition
Researchers from UWE Bristol are preparing to showcase an advanced bio-inspired prosthetic leg they have developed to improve the quality of life for people with above-knee amputations.
15 October 2024
Researchers create 3D printed food for people with swallowing difficulties
Researchers have developed meals suitable for people with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) using 3D printing technology.
10 October 2024
UWE Bristol graduates release song for Bristol-based Talk Club on World Mental Health Day
Through a university-led scheme, UWE Bristol graduates have created a music single aimed at raising awareness of national mental health charity Talk Club.
08 October 2024
Robotic clothing to aid walking a step closer after £11m funding
A new hub will develop healthcare technologies to support the independence of older people with in-home, on-body physical assistance devices.
01 October 2024
Research study aims to improve dementia assessments for diverse communities in Bristol
UWE Bristol is launching a research project aimed at transforming the assessment and diagnosis of dementia for people from three minority ethnic communities in Bristol.
29 August 2024
Public trust in drinking water safety is low globally, study finds
A new study has found more than half of adults surveyed worldwide expect to be seriously harmed by their water within the next two years.
13 August 2024
Leading role for UWE Bristol in £33.2m programme to inspire students into research
UWE Bristol will play a leading role in a new £33.2m national programme designed to attract people into research careers in health and social care.
12 August 2024
‘Absolutely incredible’ – UWE Bristol responds to silver medal win for student Izzy Thorpe
The UWE Bristol community has congratulated sports rehabilitation student Izzy Thorpe, and her partner Kate Shortman, after the pair won a silver medal in artistic swimming at the Paris Olympics.
08 August 2024
UWE Bristol nursing lecturer and a multi-disciplinary genomics team win prestigious teaching excellence awards
An adult nursing lecturer and a multi-disciplinary genomics team at UWE Bristol have been announced as winners of Advance HE's National Teaching Excellence Awards.
26 July 2024
UWE Bristol student ‘in it to win it’ at Paris Olympics
UWE Bristol sports rehabilitation student Izzy Thorpe is competing at the Paris Olympics in artistic swimming.
23 July 2024
Bristol Bears player given Honorary Degree for tackling mental health stigma
Bristol Bears rugby player Amber Reed has been given an Honorary Degree by UWE Bristol for tackling mental health stigma in sport.
You may also be interested in
Media enquiries
Enquiries related to news releases and press and contacts for the media team.
Find an expert
Media contacts are invited to check out the vast range of subjects where UWE Bristol can offer up expert commentary.
Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing (CPHWB)
The Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing enables ethical and reflexive contributions to public health policy and practice.