Built and natural environment

Why is it important to health, well being and reducing inequalities?

The environment in which we live, work, play and enjoy ourselves is a critical building block of our health. It forms a core part of the conditions we need to survive, but how well these environments support good health and wellbeing can vary geographically and for population groups, particularly vulnerable groups such as those living in areas of high deprivation. Spatial planning decisions influence the quality of our homes, access to green space, how we travel, where services are located and our exposure to environmental risks.

For example:

• If homes are poorly designed or maintained (for example, cold, damp or mouldy), this can harm health. Over time, this can affect people’s ability to work and afford improvements, creating a cycle of poor health and living conditions.
• If there are fewer trees and green spaces in an area, people may be more exposed to heat. Trees and green infrastructure provide shade, improve air quality and create spaces for relaxation and physical activity.
• If public transport and active travel routes are limited, people are more likely to rely on cars and less likely to walk or cycle. This can contribute to increased levels of air pollution, which evidence demonstrates is linked to conditions such as asthma, and does not allow for physical activity to be easily undertaken as part of daily life.
• If people cannot access safe and reliable water supplies, environmental changes such as climate change can increase risks from contamination or shortages.
• If industry is located near where people live, it can provide jobs and support local economies. However, it may also raise concerns about pollution, noise or environmental quality.

These differences between places can lead to health inequalities. Some communities experience poorer environments and worse health outcomes than others.

Spatial planning can help address this by shaping healthier places from the start. For example, by ensuring good-quality housing, access to green space, better transport options and well-designed neighbourhoods.

What is Public Health Wales doing to strengthen the built and natural environment for the population in Wales?

Public Health Wales works with a range of partners, including local authorities, Welsh Government, Local Health Boards, Natural Resources Wales, regulators and communities, to help create places that support better health for everyone. This includes:

• Supporting the use of Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) in planning, to understand how policies, plans and developments, could affect people’s health, its impact on health inequalities and identify ways to improve positive outcomes and mitigate any unintended negative impacts.
• Working with planners, policymakers and communities to promote healthy, sustainable place-making, including access to green infrastructure, active travel and quality housing
• Contributing to planning policy and guidance to support healthier environments through Local Development Plans and decision-making

What action should be taken to strengthen the built and natural environment at a national, regional and local level to maximise population health and reduce inequalities? 

To strengthen the built and natural environment, action is needed at national, regional and local level so that health and wellbeing is designed into places from the start, not considered later. In Wales, this means using planning, transport, housing, green infrastructure and public health policy together to create healthier places and reduce inequalities.