What are Health Impact Assessments?
A Health Impact Assessment is an objective assessment tool that evaluates the potential health effects of a plan or development project. It can assist in identifying barriers and enablers for creating healthier places and communities. A properly conducted Health Impact Assessment recommends measures to maximise positive impacts; minimise negative impacts; and reduce health inequalities.
Health Impact Assessments vary in size and complexity in response to the plan or development being assessed. They can address a range of health considerations (for example, improving dietary behaviours and mental health, reducing health inequalities and providing access to health and care infrastructure) and wider determinants of health and wellbeing (for example, opportunities for active travel and climate change impacts).
It is essential that a decision to use a Health Impact Assessment is taken early in the planning process in order to shape a plan or development before any key decisions have been made.
The Planning Practice Guidance (1) states that “it is helpful if the Director of Public Health is consulted on any planning applications (including at the pre-application stage) that are likely to have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the local population or particular groups within it. A Health Impact Assessment is a useful tool to use where there are expected to be significant impacts”.
In terms of plans and guidance, all new (and reviews of) strategic, local and neighbourhood plans and supplementary planning documents should include a Health Impact Assessment. For example, supplementary guidance to limit the proliferation of hot food takeaways should have a Health Impact Assessment. In terms of development management, major applications may require a Health Impact Assessment. Many local authorities have set out a policy so that smaller developments, such as an application for a single hot food takeaway, are subject to a Health Impacts Assessment if required as a part of the local plan.
For a full explanation of Health Impact Assessments refer to the ‘Health Impact Assessment in Spatial Planning’ guidance (2).
Planning for a Healthier Food Environment
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