Policy aims for promoting healthy communities

Planning has an important role to play in shaping the environment in which we live and work. The environment, in its widest sense, is shaped by development, which is managed through the planning process. There is an opportunity for the LDP to ensure that healthy and active lifestyles are considered and promoted in all new developments. Potential measures include, for example, ensuring the development of well-connected and walkable environments, improving accessibility to local open space and leisure facilities and improving connectivity to existing walking and cycling routes. In addition, the completion of a Health Impact Appraisal (HIA) may also assist in ensuring health and wellbeing is an integral part of the design process. This policy aims to ensure that new development maximises opportunities to promote healthy and active lifestyles and wellbeing by giving consideration to: High quality built design; Safe and sustainable access for all; Connectivity to local communities, services and facilities; Appropriate provision of open space and landscaping; and Contributions to improve local amenities.