Hertfordshire is taking a bold step forward in shaping healthier, safer and more inclusive communities with the launch of the Healthy and Safe Places Framework – the first of its kind in the UK.
Led by Hertfordshire Growth Board, in collaboration with Prior + Partners, local government, Public Health, the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Voluntary Sector and NHS partners, the framework sets out a unified, evidence-based approach to embedding health, wellbeing and safety into spatial planning and development across the county.
The framework arises from the Healthy and Safe Places for All Mission, a strategic commitment to ensuring that Hertfordshire’s places actively support physical, mental and social wellbeing – now and for future generations.
A Trailblazing Approach to Planning for Health
Recognising the vital role that planning plays in shaping the wider determinants of health, the framework provides practical, consistent and user-friendly guidance for Local Planning Authorities – and, in time, any Mayor or Strategic Authority – on how to embed health considerations into Local Plans and Spatial Development Strategies.
It sets out a shared set of Healthy and Safe Placemaking Principles, developed through a countywide officer group, that will guide planning policy and decision-making across Hertfordshire.
The Framework is structured around seven Healthy Placemaking Principles:
- Healthy Homes
- Healthy Movement and Connectivity
- Healthy Community Infrastructure
- Healthy Natural Environment
- Healthy Economy
- Healthy Places and Neighbourhoods
- Healthy and Safe Communities
Each principle is underpinned by objectives focused on inclusivity, equity, and sustainability, ensuring that planning policy supports health holistically and proportionately across Hertfordshire.
A Practical Tool for System-Wide Change
The framework is not just a policy document – it is a practical tool for system-wide change. It will be hosted on a web-based platform alongside a rich set of datasets, enabling planning authorities to apply a health lens to future growth plans and influence the design of both new and existing places.
This digital solution will support planners, developers, health professionals and communities to work together in shaping places that reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes.
A Collaborative Effort with National Significance
The framework has been shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement and consultation, bringing together expertise from across the planning, health, housing and transport sectors. It reflects Hertfordshire’s commitment to prevention-focused public services, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
Donna Nolan, Chief Executive, Watford Borough Council, and Vice Chair and Lead Executive Officer for the Healthy and Safe Places for All Mission, said: “This framework is a landmark moment for Hertfordshire. It shows what’s possible when planning and health come together with a shared purpose to create places that help people live longer, healthier and more connected lives. We’re proud to be leading the way nationally and hope this inspires other regions to follow suit.”
Rt Hon Prof. Paul Burstow, Chair of the Healthy and Safe Places for All Mission and outgoing Independent Chair of the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “Where we live has a huge impact on how healthy and happy we are. This framework is about putting people’s wellbeing at the heart of how we plan and build our communities. It’s a real shift in thinking – bringing health, planning and local government together to make sure every place in Hertfordshire helps people to live longer, healthier lives. I’m proud that the NHS is part of this journey to create safer, fairer and more connected communities for everyone.”
Launch Event – Thursday 13 November
Healthy and Safe Places Framework
The framework was officially launched at a countywide event on Thursday 13 November, bringing together senior leaders, planners, community protection, health experts and community stakeholders to celebrate this milestone and explore how the framework will be implemented in practice. Training and support will be offered to partners across the system to embed its use.
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