Healthy and sustainable places
Healthy and sustainable places refers to the concept of designing, developing, and managing environments that promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing while ensuring ecological, economic, and social sustainability. It emphasises creating communities that not only support healthy lifestyles, but also meet the needs of current and future generations without compromising the natural resources.
Key elements
The key elements of healthy and sustainable places include ensuring access to clean air, water and safe housing, alongside creating green spaces, parks, and recreational areas that encourage physical activity, relaxation, and community interaction. Walkable neighbourhoods and active transport options (such as cycling and pedestrian-friendly pathways) reduce reliance on cars, fostering healthier lifestyles and lowering carbon footprints.
Sustainable infrastructure contributes by integrating energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources and eco-friendly urban designs. These measures, coupled with sustainable waste management and water conservation systems, help to reduce environmental impact and create resilient, resource-efficient communities.
Equity, resilience and community wellbeing are essential components of healthy and sustainable places. Addressing social disparities ensures that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, have equal access to healthcare, education and healthy food.
Inclusive urban designs provide opportunities for social interaction through shared spaces, community hubs and integrated health services, reducing isolation and enhancing quality of life. Also, climate-resilient infrastructure (such as flood-adaptive buildings and heat-tolerant designs) prepares communities for environmental challenges while fostering long-term sustainability.
Together, these elements build vibrant, inclusive communities where people and the environment can flourish in harmony.
Why it matters
Healthy and sustainable places contribute to longer, healthier lives, reduced healthcare costs and a better quality of life. They also 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 health and sustainability into every stage of planning and development, Nottinghamshire is shaping a future where communities are not only liveable but thrive in harmony with the environment. This approach ensures that the county remains a leader in building healthy, resilient and sustainable places that benefit everyone.
Nottinghamshire Spatial Planning and Health Framework
The Nottinghamshire Spatial Planning and Health Framework (NSPHF) plays a crucial role in shaping healthy and sustainable places by providing a strategic approach to integrating public health priorities into planning and development. It ensures that health and wellbeing are central to planning applications through measures that include:
- encouraging Health Impact Assessments (HIAs), aligning policies with the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022-2026 [PDF] and promoting 20-minute neighbourhoods
- supporting active lifestyles by advocating for walkable neighbourhoods, green spaces and sustainable transport options, while improving access to healthcare and social infrastructure
- enhancing environmental quality by promoting green infrastructure, sustainable drainage systems and energy-efficient housing
- addressing health inequalities by promoting equal access to housing, healthcare and services
- fostering community wellbeing through inclusive public spaces and social connectivity
- tackling climate resilience by incorporating sustainable practices, reducing risks from flooding and extreme heat, and supporting renewable energy use.
Ultimately, the framework bridges the gap between health and spatial development, ensuring Nottinghamshire's growth fosters healthier, more sustainable and resilient communities for future generations.
