Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Health in Neighbourhood Planning

Contents

1. Introduction

The purpose of this document is to highlight how neighbourhood plans can support happy healthy lifestyles and help to tackle local health issues. This document outlines the purpose of neighbourhood planning, how health and neighbourhood planning fit together, how to collect evidence for health as well as key themes and policy examples that may be useful when writing health related policies in neighbourhood plans.

It is important to note that this document is intended as a source of inspiration for considering health in neighbourhood planning policy and is not a comprehensive overview. It should be read in conjunction with other guidance as listed throughout, and with other local data. All policies created as part of a neighbourhood plan should reflect the needs of the local community and be place specific.

2. What is neighbourhood planning?

Neighbourhood plans were first introduced in the 2011 localism act, to enable local communities to have an impact on growth and development in their areas. Neighbourhood plans should include policies that reflect local issues and priorities and be in line with National and Local Plan Policies. Their purpose is to set out planning policies which pertain to land use and development; however, they can also go beyond this to include community projects. Community projects or actions do not directly apply in the same way as policy but can help to inform development management officers to make decisions in line with community needs.

3. How does planning relate to health?

The factors that influence health are multiple and complex and there is now significant evidence that social, economic and environmental factors external to National Health Systems (NHS) have a large impact on health and well-being.

National Policy

In England, all planning policy is framed by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF contains many policies concerning health in planning. Chapter 8 “Promoting healthy and safe communities” requires planners to use evidence to access health and wellbeing needs and for planning decisions to help create healthy, inclusive and safe places.  The NPPF is supported by in further detail by Planning Policy Guidance.

Surrey Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Surrey has a Health and Wellbeing Strategy that has identified priorities and outcomes key for supporting health and wellbeing across Surrey. It focuses on three main interconnected priorities: to support people to lead physically healthy lives, to have good mental and emotional wellbeing and to create contexts in which individuals and communities can reach their potential, with an intent to address the wider determinants of health. This strategy aims to provide the right physical, social and economic environment for communities that experience the poorest health outcomes. It continues to be updated to reflect the latest data, evidence and insights and is informed by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment which provides an understanding of the current and future health and social care needs of Surrey.

Local Plans

It is a statutory requirement for neighbourhood planning policies to be in line with strategic policies in the local plan, so it is important to avoid contradictions. Many local Plans across Surrey have planning policy that considers health and wellbeing, either as a separate health and wellbeing policy or across multiple policies that integrate health and wellbeing as a consideration across the entire Local Plan. You can check your local authority website to access their current local plan and any health and wellbeing or corporate strategies that may list some health priorities to help you think about what issues you may wish to consider.

Neighbourhood Plans

Neighbourhood plans can be used to help write policy and create community projects addressing health issues locally. Neighbourhood plans can influence factors such as: local green space, neighbourhood design, housing design, the food environment, local transport and others to better support the health of their local communities. Similarly to local plans, neighbourhood plans can choose to have one wholistic health policy that covers multiple axis or choose to embed health into other existing policies that are locally relevant.

Further Policy Guidance

4. Evidencing Health Policies

Health policies within a neighbourhood plan are most effective when supported by appropriate evidence. It is important to spend time evaluating what health issues are relevant to your local community and collecting an evidence base to support your conclusions. You can then move onto thinking about the best ways to shape those issues through planning policy.

Engaging The Community

It is important to consider all voices when trying to understand the needs of local communities. It is necessary to consult those that may suffer from health inequalities to ensure that any plans for development help them to live healthier lives and do not create further barriers. It is vital to ensure the views of diverse groups are considered; for example, it may be useful to consult people with poor mental health, people with mobility problems or people across a wide variety of ages. Neighbourhood plans should engage with a wide range of people who live locally and aim to understand their needs and perspectives.

Qualitative data

Collecting qualitative data from residents can be useful to understand how place is experienced by different groups and therefore what health issues may need addressing across different demographics. For example, methods such as asking residents across a diverse age range to photograph what they like and dislike about the place or point out how they feel about a place can help to highlight generational differences in views and demonstrate how people experience place differently. Different groups of people will experience place in different ways, and it is vital to keep this in mind rather than making assumptions which could make things more difficult for some groups.

Quantitative Data

It will also be helpful to collect some quantitative health data about the local area as this can help spotlight specific health concerns and act as an evidence base for your policy. For example, a local area may suffer from childhood obesity at higher rates than surrounding areas and you can aim to tackle this through policy by improving the local food environment or the provision of public leisure and sporting facilities. Data to help identify local health issues can be found through the table below:

Further guidance on engaging with communities

Useful resources for gathering evidence

5. Creating Policy

After gathering evidence and establishing key health issues in your locality you need to think about how they can be addressed in fair and equitable ways, you can then begin to create policies that reflect your findings.

This process of turning evidence into policy is demonstrated through the table shown below:

StageExample
EvidenceHigh levels of cardiovascular disease
ObjectiveTo reduce the levels of those suffering from cardiovascular disease
PolicyActive travel: all new developments must prioritise pedestrian and cycling infrastructure

Further guidance on policy creation

6. Key Themes

Sections 7 to 12 demonstrate some key themes that can be used as inspiration when thinking about creating health policy for your own neighbourhood plan. Each section sets out why that consideration is important to health and wellbeing and gives examples of how that element has been incorporated into existing neighbourhood plan policy in Surrey. Where there are no examples of policy written in Surrey, examples have been taken from neighbourhood plans across the UK.

7. Transport

Active Travel

Active travel, including walking and cycling encourages people to stay active in their daily lives and has significant mental health and well-being benefits. It has been known to increase mobility in all ages and improving active travel infrastructure can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, prioritising active travel over other alternatives can contribute to improved air quality and a decrease in road traffic related injuries.

Neighbourhood plans can include policies, strategies and projects that support walking and cycling through various means. For example, by introducing policy that focuses on pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures or encouraging the installation of street lighting, bike racks and shelter for pedestrians and cyclists to make their journeys easier in the local area.

Public transport

Improved access and affordability of public transport especially in conjunction with active travel infrastructure can also provide significant mental and physical health benefits particularly for older people or those who are socially isolated. It can improve levels of social participation and increase mobility and the physical activity of the local populations. Public transport improvements are typically delivered at a strategic level and therefore outside the scope of a neighbourhood plan. The plan could influence transport by including travel plan requirements for larger developments. These can have impacts on public transport improvements, or support developments that would contribute to public transport improvements.

Example 1: Haslemere Neighbourhood Plan - Policy H7: Access and transport

H7.1 Proposals for new housing should ensure that they are well and safely connected with the existing settlement. All new developments shall provide:

  • Off-street car parking to comply with approved standards
  • Safe accessible on-site storage for cycles except where it can be demonstrated that there will be no such need (e.g. sheltered housing)
  • Safely located access for pedestrians, cyclists and non- motorised transport; and
  • Safe provision for electric car and bicycle technologies, including external power points.

H7.2 All major development including non-residential development should:

  • provide safe, direct routes for pedestrians and cyclists from the site to existing routes
  • make improvements to existing pedestrian and cycle access immediately adjacent to the site at the time of build
  • provide a travel plan to demonstrate how the development will improve local traffic and pedestrian management. (Surrey County Council have published guidance on writing travel plans which should be referred to); and
  • be designed to be accommodated satisfactorily in the local highway network. Opportunities to facilitate safer pedestrian and/or cycle paths linking community assets in the Plan Area (e.g. the Shopping areas, the Station, the Library) and to foot/cycle paths leading to the South Downs National Park and other local attractions will be welcomed.

H7.3 Any development proposals that result in new, alterations or renewals to road and/or pavement layouts should improve the public realm by:

  • increasing priority given to non-motorised modes
  • facilitating active travel; and
  • improving access to public transport

For further details see: Haslemere Neighbourhood Plan

Further Guidance on Transport

8. Food environment

The local food environment is important to the health of local communities. Poor diet and obesity are associated with diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.  Creating a healthier food environment through methods such as encouraging urban growing can help people to access healthier food options, improve their attitudes towards healthy eating and create opportunities for people to be social and active.

Neighbourhood plans can affect the local food environment through policies effecting access to food and the space available to cultivate it. Supporting community growing space, such as orchards or gardens and increasing access to private spaces such as balconies, allotments and residential gardens can help to encourage people to grow local food. New opportunities to grow food locally can be created through promoting suitable vacant land for growing purposes or supporting developments that provide space for food growth.

Supporting markets and market spaces can also help to expand the range of locally available food. In more rural areas policies and projects can support the co-location of growing spaces, community facilities and local co-operatives to help local food growers bring local produce to the community.

Example 1: Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan - Policy CCW12:

Allotments and Community Growing Spaces.

Development proposals for the provision of allotment facilities and/or community growing spaces will be supported where accessible by pedestrians and cyclists and within or adjacent to the defined settlement areas, as shown on the Policies Map and particularly in Caterham Valley and Whyteleafe. Proposals that would result in the loss of all or part of existing allotment spaces will not be supported unless alternative and equivalent allotment space having regard to soil quality, size and accessibility is provided.

For further details see: Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe neighbourhood plan - Design Guidelines, 2018

Example 2: Newmarket Neighbourhood Plan - Policy NKT7: The Market

As far as planning permission is required, proposals for an enhanced twice weekly market in the town centre will be supported where it is in a suitable and accessible location.

For further details see: Newmarket Neighbourhood Plan 2018-2031

Further Guidance for Food Environment

9. Housing

The quality, security, design and affordability of housing has significant impacts on residents’ daily health and wellbeing. Housing has knock on impacts and can affect all areas of life including employment and relationships and therefore affects physical and mental health. The Building Research Establishment (2021) estimates the cost to the NHS of treating those affected by poor housing as £1.4bn per year. Neighbourhood plans can include policies on housing location, density, mix, transport connections and design to contribute to the creation of high quality, affordable and suitable housing for their communities.

Housing for population needs

Different areas will reflect different housing challenges and needs. For example, in some communities housing for older people or those with disabilities may be required. Neighbourhood plans can help create these housing policies to best reflect the needs of their local population.

Example 1: Witley Neighbourhood Plan – Policy ND3: Provision of accessible and adaptable housing

Proposals for residential development should include provision of accessible and adaptable dwellings in accordance with the provisions of Policy AHN3 of the Local Plan Part 1.

Proposals for residential development designed to meet or to exceed Building Regulations M 4(3) Category 3 (Wheelchair User Dwellings) will be particularly supported. Insofar as planning permission is required, development proposals to convert or extend existing bungalows or other single storey dwellings to two storey dwellings will not be supported unless they are designed take account of the needs of existing families to alter their homes and/or to take account of the evolving needs of their wider family circumstances within the Plan period.

For further Details see: Witley Neighbourhood Plan

Housing mix and affordability

The security, affordability and mix of housing is a key consideration for mental health and wellbeing. The provision of mixed use and affordable housing has been associated with increased physical activity and better mental wellbeing. Difficulty in paying the rent or mortgage can increase stress and leaves less income for residents to spend on essential items such as healthy foods. Neighbourhood plans have the ability to affect these issues through appropriate policies such as those listed below.

Example 1: Witley Neighbourhood Plan

Policy ND1 – Housing Mix

Proposals for new housing should make provision for an appropriate range of different types and sizes of housing to meet the needs of the community in general. In particular they should reflect the contents of the Witley Housing Needs Assessment (April 2019) or the most up-to-date evidence available at the time of the determination of the planning application concerned

Policy ND2 – Affordable Housing

Proposals for affordable housing as part of wider new housing proposals should make provision for an appropriate tenure split to meet the needs of the community in general. In particular they should reflect the contents of the Witley Housing Needs Assessment (April 2019) or the most up-to-date evidence available at the time of the determination of the planning application

For further details see: Witley Neighbourhood Plan

Housing quality and design

The quality and design of housing has long been linked to mental and physical health. It is essential to create well designed and high-quality housing as poor-quality housing can exacerbate existing health conditions. Housing that is poorly insulated, for example, can be energy inefficient and contribute to fuel poverty. Air quality, noise and light and damp levels should be maintained at appropriate levels as prolonged exposure to cold, damp, mould or noise can lead to adverse health effects.

Example 1: Cranleigh Neighbourhood Plan - Policy CRAN2: Design of Development

Development proposals should demonstrate a high quality of design which responds and integrates well with its surroundings, is accessible and inclusive.

As appropriate to their scale, nature and location, development proposals should demonstrate how they have addressed the following matters:

A. Being guided by the principles of Building for a Healthy Life unless alternative principles would otherwise result in a higher quality of design.

B. Any relevant guidance in the Cranleigh Design Statement.

C. Any relevant policies in the Surrey Hills Management Plan.

D. Development over two storeys or exceeding the prevailing roofline will be supported if it is demonstrated that it will not have an unacceptable impact on views, streetscape or character of the local area. In general, taller buildings should be located towards the centre of development sites, particularly when abutting open countryside.

E. Proposals for new homes should complement the character and location of the area and avoid using standard designs.

F. On residential sites of more than 20 dwellings developers are encouraged to provide at least 10% of all dwellings to meet the space and accessibility requirements of building regulations Part M4(3), Category 3 suitable for people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

G. How the guidelines of ‘Secured by Design’ have been taken into account to encourage safe and secure homes.

H. To ensure that areas requiring service and maintenance including watercourses are accessible at all times.

For further details see: Cranleigh Neighbourhood Plan

Further Guidance on Housing and Design

10. Healthcare

Healthcare services are an essential part of health in local contexts and neighbourhood plans can help shape health in their local area by supporting the establishment, retention and expansion of health and wellbeing services through policy and projects. It is important to think about transport and access when identifying potential sites for health and wellbeing services as this can be a barrier to access for many.

Example 1: Godalming and Farncombe Neighbourhood plan – Policy God15: Healthcare Provision

A. The provision of new or expanded healthcare facilities to serve the community of Godalming and Farncombe will be encouraged. Ideally this should deliver facilities to enable a range of services to be provided on site, including outpatient services, a pharmacy and NHS dental services.

B. The provision of any new medical facilities should be in an accessible location to the existing residential community it serves. This should be well served by existing public transport services and maximise the potential for access on foot and by bicycle.

For further details see: Godalming and Farncombe Neighbourhood Plan.

Example 2: Durham City Neighbourhood Plan - Policy C4: Health Care and Social Care Facilities

Development proposals for the provision of Health Centres, Surgeries, Clinics, Nursing Homes and Residential Care Homes will be supported where it is demonstrated that they:

a) are well related to residential areas; and
b) are located close to public transport routes and are accessible by a choice of means of transport; and
c) would not have a detrimental affect upon the amenity of occupiers of adjoining and nearby properties and businesses; and
d) allow appropriate access for pedestrians, people with children and people with disabilities; and
e) provide car parking facilities at the premises. And in the case of Nursing Homes and Residential Care Homes, in addition:
f) are well related to shops, community and social facilities; and
g) for both the location and the form of the development itself, provide good standards of amenity and open space for the residents, including avoiding sites where existing non-residential uses may be to the detriment of the residents

For further details: Durham City Neighbourhood Plan

Local healthcare can also be delivered by community health hubs. These places often host more than just GPs with a mixture of health practitioners, charities, community clubs, exercise classes and other forms of ‘social prescribing’. These facilities can also be supported in policy by neighbourhood plans.

Example 3: Witley Neighbourhood Plan - Policy A1: New Community Healthcare Hub

Proposals for the development of a new community healthcare hub will be supported where they are consistent with development plan policies.

For further details see: Witley Neighbourhood plan

Further Guidance for healthcare facilities

11. Local Green space

Proximity and access to trees and the natural environment can have positive impacts on health and is associated with reduced risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. Trees, parks and open green space can be beneficial to the local community by supporting biodiversity, improving mental and physical health, providing edible landscapes and encouraging active travel.

Neighbourhood plans have the power to designate ‘local green space’ so they can be enjoyed by multiple generations. As set out in national planning policy, neighbourhood plans can select, protect and improve green spaces with significance to local communities. Plans can also help to think about how best to use green space. For example, by supporting recreational amenities like parks, playing fields and play spaces or community orchards and growing spaces.

Example 1: Effingham Neighbourhood Plan - ENP-ENV1: Local Green Spaces

Each of the following green areas is designated as a Local Green Space which is of particular importance to the local community. Development affecting the openness of a Local Green Space will not be permitted unless the developer demonstrates that there are very special circumstances.

Proposals that protect, enhance and sustain a Local Green Space in a way which is consistent with its significance to the local community will be supported. The designated areas are shown in the maps in Figures 6 and 6a and in Appendix 4

ENP-ENV3: Shared Spaces

Developments will be supported which encourage and retain the provision of shared green spaces for recreation and sport, in particular:

  • Natural green play spaces
  • Community orchards and gardens, accessible to all.

For further details see: Effingham Neighbourhood Plan

Additionally, plans can help to maintain access to open green space by creating policies for new development that incorporate the need for recreation and natural space.

Example 2: Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan – Policy: Recreation

CA-CLW1: New residential development should provide recreation and open spaces facilities in accordance with Fields in Trust Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play, unless specified otherwise in other policies in this plan relating to allocated housing sites.

CA-CLW2: Proposals that would involve the loss of school playing fields, recreation space and playing fields will not be supported

For further details see: Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan

Further Guidance on Green Space

12. Community Facilities

Community facilities can support a wide range of activities and support diverse groups of people. For example, community facilities can host education, sports, parent-toddler groups, charity activities and many other uses all of which have positive impacts on the health of the communities they service. Community facilities can help to bolster social cohesion and combat social isolation and loneliness which can lead to adverse physical and mental health effects and decrease general productivity. The cost of loneliness to employers in the United Kingdom has been estimated as being £2.5 billion due to increased staff turnover, reduced productivity, the impact of caring responsibilities and sickness absence related to ill health.

Neighbourhood plans can create policy to improve, retain and create community facilities within their local areas. It is important to consider access both in terms of public transport and building design as community facilities should be accessible to everyone including those with limited mobility and disabilities.

Example 1: Pyrford Neighbourhood Plan – Policy Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) 1: Community Facilities

Pyrford community facilities are highly regarded and will be safeguarded:

(a) Development proposals that result in the loss of, or loss of a significant part of the following community facilities will not be permitted unless it is demonstrated that the proposals meet the criteria set out in CS19 of the Woking Core Strategy:

  • The Cricket Club.
  • Pyrford Village War Memorial Hall.
  • Pyrford and District Social Club.
  • The Arbor Centre.
  • The Church of the Good Shepherd.
  • Pyrford C of E Primary School.

(b) The provision of additional community facilities and services within the area will be supported where they provide off street parking, protect local character, outlook, and privacy, demonstrate that there will be no harm to highway safety and must not generate fumes, odours, noise or disturbance that would harm neighbouring occupiers

For further details see: The Pyrford neighbourhood Plan

Neighbourhood plans also have the ability to create policy to retain and improve any existing mechanisms to bring people together. For example, the policy below encourages the use of village noticeboards.

Example 2: Woldingham Neighbourhood Plan - Policy C4: Networking

Proposals and projects for the improvement of physical and virtual noticeboards in the village will be supported if they are likely to increase residents’ use of village facilities, their participation in village societies, organisations and activities and their ability to ‘network’ with each other; promote the greater involvement of isolated, ageing or needy members of the community; help residents connect with the services available to them; encourage volunteering; or help local businesses connect with local consumers.

For further details see: Woldingham Neighbourhood Plan

Further Guidance on Community Facilities and Loneliness

13. Overall, Health policy

The examples listed so far have incorporated health considerations across other policies for example in transport, health or local green space designations. However, it is also possible to have a separate health and wellbeing policy as part of your neighbourhood plan that brings some of these components together.

For example, the Alfold health and wellbeing policy considers community facilities and recreation, active travel, health facilities and design quality as part of the same policy.

Example 1: Alfold Neighbourhood Plan (ANP) – Policy ANP HW1 – Health Wellbeing and Leisure

  1. Proposals to provide a facility for use by health services and associated agencies will be supported.
  2. Proposals to provide inclusive facilities for sport and leisure purposes, including an extension to the Village Hall, will be supported.’
  3. Proposals for new or improved community facilities should:
    3.1. wherever practicable, include provision of flexible space that can be used for a variety of community uses.
    3.2. be provided in locations that capitalise on opportunities to promote walking and cycling;
    3.3. be easily accessible to all; and
    3.4. respond to the local character and guidance established in the Alfold Design Code.
  4. Proposals for outdoor sports and leisure facilities will be supported where they do not have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity, including using artificial lighting, or diminish the sense of separation between settlements. As appropriate to their scale, nature and location, proposals should include provision for safe and direct walking and cycling routes, enabling access for all.’
  5. Proposals that have an unacceptable impact on existing leisure facilities will not be supported. This includes proposals which would have an unacceptable effect on the amenity of those facilities, for example by generating noise, dust or affecting air quality.

For further details see: Alfold Neighbourhood Plan

The Dobwalls and Trewidland Neighbourhood Development Plan similarly has a health policy that considers, housing quality, mix and tenure as well as active transport, green and play space and crime and antisocial behaviour.

Example 2: Dobwalls and Trewidland Neighbourhood Development Plan - Policy: Community Health

HE1: Community Health Accommodation

Development proposals will be encouraged which take account of the existing housing provision and contribute to a balanced mix of open market and affordable, accessible rented homes for: the elderly, those with disability, impaired mobility and additional needs and families. Developments should be located to take advantage of the level access to shops, public transport services and other local facilities available in the centre of Dobwalls.

HE2: Improving Community Health

Development proposals should support the physical and mental health of individuals and the social health of the community through:

  • Contribution to the provision of useable on-site open space and playable spaces for children form part of the green-space network for walkers.
  • Providing other appropriate public open space and facilities for teenagers and adults.
  • Take opportunities to design out crime and anti-social behaviour.

For further details see: Dobwalls and Trewidland Neighbourhood Development Plan

14. Community Infrastructure Levy and Developer Contributions

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is funding provided by developers through legal agreements as part of the development permission process. CIL was introduced in 2010 and allows local planning authorities to raise funds for infrastructure from new development.  Not all areas have CIL, so it is advisable to check with your local authority to see if your designated neighbourhood area is covered.

The amount of CIL funding available varies depending on a number of factors such as, infrastructure needs, viability and the amount of development coming forward in the area. An amount of this funding can be used by the local authority or Town/Parish council where there is a neighbourhood plan in place for the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure. Neighbourhood plans can include conditions and obligations within policy and list community projects and aspirations to indicate what projects and priorities the local community would like this funding to go towards.

Some of these projects or infrastructure can be used to support health and wellbeing priorities. For example, the Effingham neighbourhood plan contains a policy that states CIL will be sought for the improvement of community facilities and healthcare provision but also a list of actions that contain the priorities of the local community.

Example 1: Effingham Neighbourhood Plan - ENP-C7: Community Learning and Wellbeing

Proposals that include development of community facilities to support community learning and wellbeing will be supported. In particular, strong support will be given to schemes that seek to enable new services or improve access to existing services to meet the needs of local people regardless of age or disability. Schemes can be within existing facilities or through conversion of other available sites and facilities. Section 106 or Community Infrastructure Levy contributions will be sought towards the improvement of community facilities and services including:

  • Adult learning
  • After school clubs
  • Holiday play schemes
  • Medical & wellbeing consultation rooms/ services (see also Policy ENP-C3)
  • Community facilities for art, craft and drama
  • Community IT facilities and learning
  • Community “drop in” facility for elderly residents
  • Indoor community facility for young people The Plan supports schemes that conserve existing buildings for community use as outlined above.

For Further details see: Effingham Neighbourhood Plan (Guildford)

Example 2: Effingham Neighbourhood Plan Community Action 1: Infrastructure Investment

The Parish Council proposes the following projects for funding via Section 106 contributions or CIL:

  • Traffic management, pedestrian safety and streetscape enhancement in the village.
  • Provision of safe cycle routes including to schools and to Effingham Junction Station.
  • Improvement, extension or replacement of King George V Hall, and enhancements to the recreation facilities on the King George V Fields, as per Policy ENP-C2, or additional provision of social and educational services for residents (Policies ENP-C5 and ENP-C7).
  • A modern centre for community learning and wellbeing. (Policies ENP-C5 and ENP-C7).
  • The provision of a facility providing health services, as per Policy ENP-C3.
  • Improvements to the educational facilities at St. Lawrence School and Howard of Effingham School, as per Policy ENP-C6.
  • Improvements to public footpaths and bridleways including those on Effingham Common.
  • Extension of the Parish Council burial ground (Policy ENP-C4).
  • Environmental improvements to public spaces

For further details see: Effingham Neighbourhood Plan

Community priorities, actions and projects can include areas of concern outside the scope of planning but are not part of the statutory development plan for the neighbourhood. They are not applied in the same way as policy but can help to inform decision making to align with local needs. These lists can include issues relating to health and wellbeing such as active travel, highway safety, designing for security, community facilities and the use of space for play and recreation. See Annex 1 of the Highams Park Plan, the Horsley Neighbourhood Plan and the Alfold Neighbourhood Plan for examples of how this can be applied.

Further Guidance on Community Infrastructure Levy and Developer contributions

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