Councils should impose a new ‘health test’ on major developments to ensure they promote healthier living in the area, a researcher has proposed.
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… developers have very little incentive to promote health with their schemes…
LocalGov writes:
Dr Caglar Koksal of the University of Manchester argues developments that improve wellbeing and encourage healthier lifestyles should be granted accelerated planning permission by councils.
The new test would vary by areas and include any acute local health issues such as respiratory diseases or obesity, he said.
Dr Koksal also calls on councils to set higher health-related standards before giving permission…
Dr Koksal said: ‘When the demand for housing remains exceptionally high, developers have very little incentive to promote health with their schemes….However, local authorities can motivate and inspire developers to work together and create healthier places.
‘For example, local authorities can ask all major developments to demonstrate a health net gain with their development, provided that local evidence substantiates such a requirement…’
