Location, location, location: understanding the geography of health policies in local spatial plans in England

Statutory documents such as local plans are used by each local authority to manage the sustainable use and development of land. Policies within these plans determine how decisions on urban development projects are made and therefore have consequences for population health and wellbeing. Health conditions and determinants vary considerably by the geography of place. This paper builds on a health census of local plans adopted by local authorities in England between 2012 and 2023. The census found variations in the presence of and coverage of health across a spectrum of measures we would associate with the wider determinants of health. Through further geospatial analyses and mapping, the research focused on the relationships between the existence of health-focused policies in local plans, the geography of local authorities and selected exploratory cohort of local contextual indicators. It posited that there is significant potential to resource further analyses to enable a better understanding of health and geographical disparity patterns inherent in local plans. The results can enable a strategic approach to focus efforts on specific geographies to maximise health in local plan coverage and promote healthier communities.