Policy information sourced from Richmond Upon Thames Local Plan

LP 30 Health and Wellbeing

Planning, at all levels, can play a crucial role in creating environments that enhance people’s health and wellbeing. The Council promotes and supports healthy and active lifestyles and measures to reduce health inequalities.

  • The Council will support development that results in a pattern of land uses and facilities that encourage:
    • Sustainable modes of travel such as safe cycling routes, attractive walking routes and easy access to public transport to reduce car dependency.
    • Access to green infrastructure, including river corridors, local open spaces as well as leisure, recreation and play facilities to encourage physical activity.
    • Access to local community facilities, services and shops which encourage opportunities for social interaction and active living, as well as contributing to dementia-friendly environments.
    • Access to local healthy food, for example, allotments and food growing spaces.
    • Access to toilet facilities which are open to all in major developments where appropriate (linked to the Council’s Community Toilet Scheme).
    • An inclusive development layout and public realm that considers the needs of all, including the older population and disabled people.
    • Active Design which encourages wellbeing and greater physical movement as part of everyday routines.
  • This policy will be delivered by requiring developments to comply with the following:
    • A Health Impact Assessment must be submitted with all major development proposals.
    • The Council will manage proposals for new fast food takeaways (A5 uses) located within 400 metres of the boundaries of a primary or secondary school in order to promote the availability of healthy foods.
    • Existing health facilities will need to be retained where these continue to meet, or can be adapted to meet, residents’ needs.
    • Applications for new or improved facilities or loss of health and social care facilities will be assessed in line with the criteria set out in the Social and Community Infrastructure policy.

For more information please see the Local Plan