How can planning add value to obesity prevention programmes? A qualitative study of planning and planners in the Healthy Towns programme in England

Health Place. 2014 Nov:30:120-6. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.08.012. Epub 2014 Sep 23.

Abstract

The planning profession has been advocated as an untapped resource for obesity prevention, but little is known about how planners view their roles and responsibilities in this area. This paper investigates the role of planners in the Healthy Towns programme in England, and explores the limits and potential for obesity prevention within planning policy and practice. Using a qualitative approach, 23 planning stakeholders were interviewed, identifying the potential for planning in public health, particularly the 'health proofing' of local planning policy. National and local governments should better align planning and health policies to support collaboration between planners and public health practitioners.

Keywords: Community health; Healthy Towns; Obesity; Planning.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • England
  • Health Promotion / standards*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Planning Techniques
  • Policy Making
  • Qualitative Research