Promoting healthy communities - Introduction

Improving health and wellbeing is one of the five core principles of the planning system. This is recognised in the SPPS, which states that councils may bring forward local policies that contribute to improving health and wellbeing. Belfast has specific local challenges around the health and wellbeing of its residents, evidenced as a persistent element of local inequalities over the last decade. The SPPS identifies key policy areas that contribute positively to health and wellbeing. These include policies relating to open space, sport and outdoor recreation, quality housing, economic growth, urban design and better integrating land use planning and transport.