Evaluating the impact of Supplementary Planning Documents on Health Inequalities in the North East of England
Lead Investigator: John Wildman
Research Theme: Inequalities and marginalized communities
Host University: Newcastle University
Objectives: The project aims to improve health in the North East and Cumbria by studying how local planning policies (Supplementary Planning Documents or SPDs) affect health issues like childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
Local authorities can influence community health through planning policies, especially by controlling the number of unhealthy food outlets. This project will evaluate if such policies are effective in reducing health inequalities. The North East and Cumbria, with high levels of deprivation and health issues, provide a unique setting for this study.
The project aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of planning policies in creating healthier environments. It involves collaboration with public health and policy practitioners and includes regular meetings and dissemination activities. The findings will help develop a toolkit for local authorities to use these policies effectively.
The specific goals are:
- Count and categorize food establishments in certain areas from 2012 to 2020.
- Examine the link between these food establishments, area deprivation, and health issues over time.
- Determine if SPDs help reduce these health issues and for whom.
Methods: The study will analyse data at a local level in Newcastle, Gateshead, Carlisle, and Northumberland. It will use various data sources, including food hygiene ratings, deprivation indices, and health data, and apply statistical methods to understand the impact of SPDs.
Milestones: The project includes regular meetings with researchers and stakeholders, blog posts, policy briefs, academic publications, and a toolkit for local authorities.
Relevance to Practice or Policy: Changing the environment, rather than just focusing on individual behaviour, is crucial for reducing health inequalities. This project aligns with various public health guidelines and aims to provide practical evidence for local authorities to create healthier communities.
OUTPUTS
Research paper – No new fast-food outlets allowed! Evaluating the effect of planning policy on the local food environment in the North East of England – ScienceDirect – August 2022
FUNDING
This study was funded by a grant from the NIHR ARC NENC Open Funding Competition.