The BDA on building healthier communities: The 2024 NPPF Consultation and its impact on nutrition.
In September 2024, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation was communicated as a chance to redefine the landscape of urban and rural development in the UK. As policymakers, urban planners, and community leaders gathered to discuss the future of our built environment, a critical focus emerged: the intersection of planning and public health. This year’s consultation brought to the forefront the vital concern of urban planning in cultivating healthy communities, with a particular emphasis on nutrition and access to healthy food. The BDA, responded to this consultation, after dialogue with the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA), and endorsed their comprehensive and holistic statement.
"At present, the country’s food system is broken – unhealthy options are easier, cheaper and more convenient than healthier ones. The UK’s high excess weight rates are largely a result of this broken food system which is full of commercial influences from industries that profit from selling health-harming products. We need to give people more power over the places in which they live to ensure that they are more conducive to good health and well-being." (Introduction, Obesity Health Alliance Consultation Response, Sept 2024)
Their statement recommended agreed changes to the framework wording and instituting "reasonable steps to limit the impact of health harming products to children, such as introducing 400 metre exclusion zones to prevent new unhealthy food outlets opening around schools".
Dietitians have a valuable position in the future health of our communities. There are several changes proposed by the National Planning Policy Framework that have significant implications for nutrition and the creation of healthier communities. Below are some of the key points, however there are many more to read here.
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Access to Healthy Food: One of the goals of the NPPF revision was to improve access to healthy food. This includes encouraging the development of local food markets, community gardens, and urban farms. As research has heavily suggested, by introducing these elements into urban planning, communities can have better access to fresher, healthier food; aiming to reduce reliance on unhealthy options.
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Health Impact Assessments: The revised NPPF includes provisions for health impact assessments (HIAs) in the planning process. HIAs evaluate the potential health effects of new developments, including their impact on nutrition and access to healthy food.
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Community Engagement: The consultation process itself is designed to involve community members in planning decisions, as well as professional bodies, and wider organisations. By engaging with residents, and organisations such as our own policymakers and planners can better understand the nutritional needs of the community and develop policies that support healthy eating habits.
These changes reflect a broader understanding of the role that urban planning plays in public health and nutrition. By prioritising access to healthy food and sustainable food systems, the NPPF consultation was an opportunity to create environments that support better nutrition and overall wellbeing.
Our response to this consultation is part of the BDA UK Food Strategy campaign, which aims to achieve greater engagement with the dietetic community and policymakers. We are committed to campaigning for the development of a UK-wide food strategy that takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to food policy, tackles food inequalities and promotes environmental sustainability, to create a fairer food system for all.
We will provide an update on the results and decisions made from the consultation once they are available, and we welcome any comments, or interest in our campaign. Please email [email protected] to get in touch.
