Public Health Wales has published a new guide to support local authorities in Wales to design, plan and create places that enable people to live healthier, happier lives.
The Planning Healthy Places guide outlines how health can be embedded in the Local Development Plan (LDP) process, which is the long-term planning framework that sets out where and how new housing, employment, facilities, transport links, green space and community services will be located.
The built and natural environment has a significant influence on our health and wellbeing and can help to reduce health inequalities. Access to green spaces, good quality housing, safe spaces for walking and cycling, and opportunities to connect with others are all shaped by planning and design decisions.
The guide aims to help planning and health professionals work more closely together to ensure these health considerations are placed at the heart of future development across Wales.