Hertfordshire’s trailblazing framework Healthy and Safe Places (HSPF) will be presented at the 2026 LGA/ADPH Public Health Conference – a key annual public health conference brings together leaders, practitioners and partners to explore how we can achieve better health for all.
The HSPF is the first of its kind in the UK, designed to embed health, wellbeing and safety into how places are planned, shaped and delivered. Recognising the critical role planning plays in influencing the wider determinants of health, it gives Local Planning Authorities – and, in time, Mayors or Strategic Authorities – practical, consistent and user friendly guidance on embedding health into Local Plans and Spatial Development Strategies.
Developed by the Hertfordshire Growth Board, in collaboration with Prior + Partners, local government, NHS partners, Public Health, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Voluntary Sector, the framework sets out a unified, evidence-based approach to embedding health, wellbeing and safety into spatial planning and development across the county.
At its core, the HPPF sets out seven Healthy Placemaking Principles:
- Healthy Homes – ensuring housing supports physical and mental wellbeing.
- Healthy Movement and Connectivity – prioritising active travel and safe streets.
- Healthy Community Infrastructure – creating inclusive spaces for social connection.
- Healthy Natural Environment – protecting and enhancing green spaces.
- Healthy Economy – fostering local jobs and economic resilience.
- Healthy Places and Neighbourhoods – designing vibrant, accessible communities.
- Healthy and Safe Communities – embedding safety and equity throughout.
Why this matters now
Where we live fundamentally shapes how we live. Our homes, streets and neighbourhoods influence physical activity, mental wellbeing, social connection and personal safety. Yet these determinants of health are often overlooked in traditional planning decisions – contributing to persistent inequalities, rising chronic conditions and communities that struggle to thrive.
National Significance
The HSPF aligns with a growing national emphasis towards “Health in All Policies”, echoing recommendations from the Lord Darzi Review and the proposed health duty in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and guidance in current planning policy and emerging new planning legislation.
By demonstrating how health can be embedded in Local Plans and Spatial Development Strategies (SDS), Hertfordshire is setting a precedent for counties, combined authorities and future strategic authorities across England.
Meet our speakers
Between Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th February 2026, the HPPF will be presented by experts who have been instrumental in shaping, developing and implementing this first‑of‑its‑kind approach. The panel discussion with an interactive Q&A will explore how to embed health and safety into spatial planning, address health inequalities and integrate workplace capacity, digital intelligence and community infrastructure into planning processes.
- Donna Nolan, Chief Executive, Watford Borough Council and Health and Safe Places Mission Lead
- Shaun Andrews, Director of UK Planning Strategy, Prior + Partners
- Sarah Perman, Director of Public Health, Hertfordshire County Council
- Hannah Regis, Team Leader – Planning Data Analysis, Hertfordshire County Council
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of health-led planning and book your place at the LGA/ADPH Public Health Conference 2026.
Hosted virtually on MS Team
On Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 February 2026
From 9:30am – 4:15pm
Click here to secure your place.
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