The TCPA has long championed that the way places are planned, designed, built and managed has a significant influence over whether communities are able to live healthy lives. The built and natural environments are important determinants of health and shape health inequalities.
We support councils and communities with advice about planning healthier, more active environments and how to ensure that plans and policies help deliver public health objectives. Evidence shows that creating ‘complete, compact and connected’ neighbourhoods – otherwise known as 20-minute neighbourhoods – results in places that are healthier to live in and contribute to climate targets.
The TCPA has published a range of influential reports and practical guidance documents which can be found in our Resource library.
Contact
Please contact Gemma Hyde for further information.
Workshops
Healthy Local Plans and policies
We help councils use public health data to strengthen their Local Plans and policies to ensure new development supports good health for all. We can provide bespoke practical advice for your area.
Food environments
The TCPA is exploring how to support empowering food environments that enable people to make healthy choices.
Campaign for Healthy Homes
The campaign aims to transform the way that the built environment is regulated to ensure that all new homes promote the health and wellbeing of their residents.
20-minute neighbourhoods
Around the world there is growing interest in creating places in which most of people’s daily needs can be met within a short walk or cycle.
TCPA healthy place-making publications
A collection of the TCPA’s healthy place-making publications
Additional healthy place-making resources
A collection of helpful healthy place-making resources from external organisations
Resources
Improving Access to Green Spaces – A New Review for 2020
There is substantial evidence that access to good quality green spaces is good for people’s mental and physical health, and reduces health inequalities. This report from Public Health England sets out the evidence. (Published 2020).
Healthy weight environments: using the planning system (2021)
This guide explores how local authorities' public health and planning teams can promote healthy weight environments.
Spatial Planning for Health
How can we create healthier places based on evidence of what really works? This authoritative review of the evidence, by Public Health England, sets it out in an easy-to-use guide. Helpful diagrams summarise the strength of evidence in terms of neighbourhood design, housing, food environment, natural and sustainable environments transport.
News & Blog
Local plan ‘plug in’ resources for child-friendly planning
Photo: Play street, Playing Out CIC The TCPA has launched a set of practical ‘plug-in’ materials for Local Plan policy…
TCPA response: New Towns draft programme
Responding to the publication of the consultation on the New Towns Draft Programme, the Chief Executive of the Town & Country…
Announcing the TCPA’s Summer Conference 2026: Strategic Planning and Inclusive Growth
As the English Devolution Bill reaches its final report stage in the House of Lords this week, the TCPA is…
