01 Aug 2024 Revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework proposed: Food Active response
Earlier this week, the new government released the consultation on the revised National Planning Policy Framework, which includes welcome amends which references the role planning can play in improving public health and promoting healthier weight.
Chapter 8 of the revised framework includes:
The Government is committed to taking action on public health and reducing health inequalities. Local planning authorities are already able to develop policies to support local strategies to improve health and wellbeing, but there is considerable variation in the extent to which they do so. We want to consider ways in which the planning system can do more to support the creating of healthy communities. This includes tackling obesity, encouraging active travel and supporting a healthy childhood, such as through more consistent approaches to controlling hot food takeaways near schools. As part of this consultation, we are seeking views on whether and how national policy could provide greater direction and clarity on the promotion of health through local plans and planning decisions.
A consultation on the revised framework has been opened, which includes the following questions:
Question 70 – How could national planning policy better support local authorities in (a) promoting healthy communities and (b) tackling childhood obesity?
Question 71 – Do you have any other suggestions relating to the proposals in this chapter?
Nicola Calder, Food Active Programme Lead responds:
“Our recently relaunched policy calls highlight the role planning can play in improving the out of home food environment and providing more effective local powers to promote healthier weight.
We are therefore delighted to see the recent revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework, which now highlights the role the planning system plays in supporting healthy communities; with reducing levels of overweight and obesity and tackling hot food takeaways near schools as a key priority.
We look forward to responding to this consultation in due course and encourage all organisations with an interest in planning for health to respond.”
Food Active will be compiling a response on behalf of the North West network ahead of the deadline on the 24th September. To find out more about the consultation and respond, click here.
