SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 137
Health & Supporting
Communities
Local
Introduction
437.
The built and natural environment is a key determinant of health and wellbeing. The NPPF
states that one of the three overarching objectives of the planning system is supporting
strong, vibrant and healthy communities. It includes specific requirements for planning
policies and decisions to promote healthy, inclusive and safe places. The Health and Social
Care Act (2012) gave local authorities new duties and responsibilities for health improvement
and requires every local authority to use all the levers at its disposal to improve health and
wellbeing, and the Local Plan is one such lever.
438.
The health of Solihull residents is generally good and is getting better. However, good health
is not consistent across the borough, and the health of some of our residents, particularly in
the most deprived neighbourhoods, is significantly below an acceptable level. The numbers
of older age residents within Solihull is increasing and the need to address the challenges of
climate change has been intensified.
439.
Ever-increasing research indicates that the environment in which we live is inextricably
linked to our health across the life course. The role of the built and natural environment in
shaping the social, economic and environmental circumstances that determine health is
increasingly recognised and understood.
440.
A healthy community is one which supports healthy behaviours and enhances people’s
physical and mental health. Many health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, stress
and poor mental health have been linked to the environments in which people live and work,
whilst contact with the natural environment enhances both physical and mental health.
441.
The Local Plan provides opportunities to increase and enhance facilities and enable greater
participation in physical activity including play, sport and recreation, as well as improving a
network of high quality provision across the Borough. Wider community use of sports and
recreation provision on new school sites will be promoted to make an efficient use of land
and locate facilities in the most accessible places.
442.
The Council is committed to improving health and wellbeing in Solihull and the Local Plan
has a key role to play in implementing strategies to help people lead healthier, active
lifestyles. Many of the policies in the Local Plan will have an impact on health and wellbeing
and in drafting the local plan policies, this has been given due consideration to ensure that,
the overall impact of any new development should result in positive health outcomes.
443.
The Local Plan contributes to supporting communities and promotes health through its
spatial strategy and policies. These include policies relating to the location of new
development, sustainable development, infrastructure, provision of new homes, jobs, town
centres and sustainable travel (promoting public transport, walking and cycling). These
policies demonstrate that improved health outcomes are integral to the local plan and
meeting its vision and objectives.
13
7
137