Issue and Options 2023

1. It is essential that all planning policies enable flexibility within the NHS estate. Where it can be demonstrated that health facilities will be changed as part of wider NHS estate reorganisation programmes, it should be accepted that a facility is neither needed nor viable for its current use and Planning policies within the Local Plan must support the principle of alternative uses for NHS land and property. This will ensure that there is not a delay to vital reinvestment in facilities and services for the community. 2. NHS land and property should be able to grow and expand on existing NHS sites and on land across the borough unhindered. Policies should support the delivery of public service improvements as quickly as possible and allow for adaption to meet changing needs for health buildings. 3. There is a well-established connection between planning and health. Planning policies can not only facilitate improvements to health infrastructure, but also provide a mechanism to improve people’s health. We request that the Local Plan includes policies for health and wellbeing which reflect the wider determinants of health and promote healthy and green lifestyle choices through well designed places. 4. In areas of significant housing growth, appropriate funding must be consistently leveraged through developer contributions for health and care services in order to meet growing demand. We request that when setting planning obligation policies, the Councils seek to address strategic as well as local priorities in planning obligations and engage the NHS in the process as early as possible.