Healthy and sustainable places
Healthy and sustainable places refers to the concept of designing, developing, and managing environments that promote physical and mental wellbeing whilst ensuring ecological, economic, and social sustainability. Healthy and sustainable places should create communities that support healthy lifestyles and meet the needs of current and future generations without compromising natural resources. This includes key elements such as:
- ensuring access to clean air, water and healthy food
- safe housing and secure community spaces
- creation of green spaces, parks and recreational areas
- active transport options, such as cycling and pedestrian-friendly pathways
Why it matters
Healthy and sustainable places contribute to longer, healthier lives and a higher quality of life. They play a critical role in mitigating climate change, protecting ecosystems, and fostering vibrant, thriving communities that are prepared for future challenges.
By prioritising health and sustainability in planning and design, societies can create environments where people and nature can coexist and flourish.
A vision for the future
By embedding the building blocks of health (such as clean air and water, access to green spaces, active transportation, nutritious food, and safe, affordable housing) into every stage of the planning and development process, Nottinghamshire is creating communities where people don't just live but thrive. This holistic approach ensures the county leads the way in developing healthy, resilient, and sustainable environments that support the wellbeing of all residents.
For more information, read The Health Foundation Communicators Toolkit [PDF]
Nottinghamshire Spatial Planning and Health Framework
The Nottinghamshire Spatial Planning and Health Framework (NSPHF) is a cornerstone in shaping healthy and sustainable places. It provides a strategic approach to integrating public health priorities into planning and development, ensuring that communities are designed to enhance wellbeing, reduce health inequalities, and promote environmental sustainability.
The NSPHF ensures that health and wellbeing are central to planning decisions by providing guidance on the use of the Rapid Health Impact Assessment. The NSPHF aims to align planning policies and development proposals with the ambitions of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2026 and promote 20-minute neighbourhood principles. The framework supports active lifestyles by advocating for walkable neighbourhoods, green spaces, and sustainable transport options, whilst also improving access to healthcare and social infrastructure.
