Rochdale Borough Draft Local Plan Consultation

The National Planning Policy Framework emphasises the importance of good design and high-quality places for communities. This chapter sets out policies to ensure that development meets the design, social, education and health and wellbeing expectations of the borough.

Supporting residents in experiencing a higher quality of life, better social connections and a healthier lifestyle is a key theme that transcends many policies in this Local Plan.  Strengthening strong, vibrant and healthy communities is a key part in delivering resilient, sustainable development and meaningful value in achieving economic outcomes. As a borough it is a priority to create an environment where people can live longer, they have healthier lifespans and have wider access to quality health and community facilities.

The built and natural environment is an important factor in the determinants of health and wellbeing. There is evidence that supports well-designed places add overall positive value to people's lives[1]. Well-designed places encourage people to engage in them and this can have clear health benefits through actions such as increased physical activity, participating in social activities, improving mental health and increasing overall wellbeing. The built environment also has a functional role in facilitating social cohesion, where people can meet and interact in a meaningful way. The planning system can directly and indirectly support the improvement of health outcomes and can contribute to improving wellbeing through policy.

Therefore, it is essential that new development in Rochdale is supported by appropriate social and community infrastructure. Improving access to these facilities builds stronger communities and helps to address in part, inequalities and social exclusion within the borough. In tackling some of these priorities of poor health and deprivation, it is vital that community needs are assisted through appropriate social infrastructure, such as having access to good education. This combination of factors contributes to supporting overall wellbeing in the local area.  

Alongside the Places for Everyone Plan, the Local Plan has a significant role in ensuring changes to health outcomes and the wellbeing of residents will be enduring over the Plan period. This includes implementing measures such as safer housing, accessible community spaces, active travel, healthcare, green spaces, parks and recreational areas and effective transport options. This section sets out policies intended to help create healthy and resilient communities.