 A guide to planning
About the guide
This guide is designed to help provide a structure for the Christchurch City Council planners in assessing the likely health impacts of developments on the Christchurch community.
The intention is to ensure that health is properly considered when determining strategies, policies and plans, and to influence planning proposals to maximise health benefits for all Cantabrians.
Why use the guide?
Good health is a basic human right for all people. Health is defined by the World Health organisation as a “state of complete physical, social and mental well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Wilkinson & Marmot, 2003).
The design of urban environments can influence, directly and indirectly, the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Contemporary planning theories suggest good urban and environmental design can promote healthy behaviours and an active lifestyle, leading to improved health outcomes for the population.
This becomes more relevant for New Zealand, as an estimated 20% of all government public spending is on health, and a disproportionate amount of this money is spent on treating people for conditions relating to obesity, physical inactivity and mental health issues associated with modern living.
Planning strategies, policies, and developments can affect human health.
Sometimes the links between planning or policies and health can be immediately apparent; for instance, by providing resources and facilities that enable people to access health and social services. Other links are not as clear, but instead require more consideration.
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