1. Planning and Well-being: APG on Well-being Economics 12 May 2014 Saamah Abdallah, Senior Researcher

2. Planning for well-being “a healthy city offers a physical and built environment that supports health, recreation and well-being, safety, social interaction, easy mobility, a sense of pride and cultural identity and that is accessible to the needs of all its citizens.” World Health Organisation

3. How the built environment influences well- being Green space Transport options Social space Well-being

4. Social spaces Social capital is a key determinant of well-being Planning can influence this in many ways: –Community spaces and facilities –Design of public spaces and buildings –Street layout & traffic congestion –Distance between work and home –Security measures

5. Green spaces Access to green space provides opportunities for physical activity Green spaces play a role in reducing concentrations of key pollutants Contact with nature is good for well-being (mood, stress, blood pressure, life satisfaction) Overall, evidence of green space (quantity and quality): –Having significant association with well-being in panel studies –Resulting in reductions in health inequalities within cities –The benefits do not wear off –Tree-lined streets reduce depression

6. Transport options Promoting cycling and walking is good for well-being: −Physical activity, leading to well-being and health outcomes −Reduces commuting stress −Reduces congestion, air and noise pollution −Reduces traffic accidents and fear of accidents Some evidence that public transport is good for social cohesion: -Reduces fear of crime -Provides opportunities for light touch social interaction

7. These factors are mutually reinforcing Green space Transport options Social space Physical activity Social interaction Reduced pollution & congestion Well-being

8. Process matters Community involvement in planning and regeneration creates a lasting sense of ownership and belonging (e.g. Peckham case study)

9. What does this mean for the planning system? Local authorities have a key role in ‘place- shaping’ – planning strategically for high well- being communities Local Plans should aim for “a built environment that is sociable and green” (Gus O’Donnell)

10. The National Planning Policy Framework Communities and Local Government “the planning system can play an important role in facilitating social interaction” “Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important contribution to the health and well-being of communities” Planners should “actively manage patterns of growth to make the fullest possible use of public transport, walking and cycling”

11. But… “presumption in favour of sustainable development” “significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth through the planning system” “investment in business should not be over- burdened by the combined requirements of planning policy expectations”.

12. Questions for discussion How can the planning system support well- being? How far is this in tension with the current focus on the need for planning to support growth? What would need to change for a well- being approach to planning to become a reality?

13. Find out more www.neweconomics.org @nefwellbeing