East Sussex HIA Manual for Planning Applications
Overview
This Manual has been produced and agreed by the East Sussex Planning for Health Working Group which includes representatives from all Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) in East Sussex and the Public Health Team, Highway Authority and County Planning Authority within East Sussex County Council.
Aims and purpose of the manual
Aim - to provide a ‘How to Guide’ to undertaking a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on planning applications within East Sussex.
Purpose - to provide a clear step by step guide for all those involved and interested in the HIA process, including details on the supporting tools available and the expectations and requirements at each stage.
Who the Manual is for
- Developers and those undertaking on their behalf a HIA or HIA Screening.
- LPAs who manage, review, assess and consult Public Health on HIAs and HIA Screenings.
- Public Health who provides overarching guidance, management, reviews and assesses HIAs and HIA Screenings.
- Stakeholders, investors, and communities wanting to understand the HIA process in East Sussex.
What the Manual Covers
This Manual provides a ‘How to Guide’ by providing information on:
- What a HIA is (Part 1. Context section)
- Why a HIA should be undertaken (Context section)
- Where the requirement to undertake a HIA or HIA Screening is set out (Context section)
- Roles and responsibilities (Context section)
- When stages need to be undertaken (Part 1. Context section)
- The East Sussex overall approach to HIA (Part 1. Context section)
- East Sussex Tools to support HIA (Overview section)
- The various stage’s purposes, timings and requirements (Part 2)
- How developers/applicants’ complete templates (Part 2: 1,2 and 3))
- Screening and scoping stages submissions (Part 2: 1,2)
- What should to be submitted with a planning application (Part2: 5)
- How the HIA will be Quality Assured. (Part 2: 6)
How to Use the Manual
Part 1: Provides the context to HIA. Refer to this section for general information on HIAs, roles and responsibilities and the overall approach to undertaking HIAs in East Sussex.
Part 2: Provides the step-by-step guide to completing the various HIA stages with specific details on completing templates, what should be considered, when it should be undertaken and what and when information should be submitted. Refer to this section for help in understanding and undertaking the various stages and the specific expectations.
East Sussex HIA Toolkit, Planning for Health, and Healthy Places Tools
This Manual sits within the East Sussex HIA Toolkit which has been produced to support the implementation of HIA requirements for planning applications within East Sussex.
It is also part of the tools which have been produced to support ‘Planning for Health’ and the creation of Healthy and Sustainable Places within East Sussex.
For East Sussex ‘Planning for Health’ by definition is:
‘Planning for Health’ whereby the planning system(s) works with public health to deliver a conscious and cooperative approach to maximise planning processes that enable and support positive population health and wellbeing outcomes. The intention is to ‘develop’ healthy and sustainable built and natural environments, where communities can enjoy healthy and sustainable lifestyles, healthy life expectancy and healthy places.’ (Madigasekera-Elliott, 2026)
Figure 1. Manual position within the HIA Toolkit and link to other Supporting Tools
How the tools in the above diagram support the HIA process:
- HIA Templates (add links) – supports undertaking the various HIA stages by providing clear, consistent and transparent structures.
- Planning for Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability Framework ‘Framework’ (add link) – supports the overall HIA process by outlining evidence, issues, effects and considerations on health and wellbeing, with links to planning and healthy sustainable place making, including potential opportunities and measures to address negative issues and increase benefits.
- East Sussex Healthy Places Data Profile – supports the overall HIA process by providing up to date local health and wellbeing data to assist in identifying key local health and wellbeing issues, considerations and priorities
PART 1: Context
What is a Health Impact Assessment (HIA)
East Sussex is working to the International Association of Impact Assessments (IAIA) definition of HIA which has updated the World Health Organisation (WHO) definition to:
“A combination of procedures, methods and tools that systematically judges the potential, and sometimes unintended, effects of a policy, plan, programme or project on the health of a population and the distribution of those effects within the population. HIA identifies appropriate actions to manage those effects.”
Further to this definition a HIA should consider particularly the impact on vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. Recommendations should be produced for decision-makers and stakeholders with the aim of maximising the proposal’s positive health impacts and effects and minimising its negative health impacts and effects. (Health impact assessments | WHO)
Stakeholder and community engagement is a key principle of HIA which promotes participation. Inclusive engagement with communities and stakeholders informs the HIA and supports the identification of appropriate measures to be incorporated into proposals.
A HIA supports the planning system to address local health and wellbeing needs and to reduce health inequalities. It enables delivery of the National Planning Policy Framework, Dec 2024 (NPPF) and the National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) on promoting healthy and safe communities. NPPG, paragraph 5, identifies HIA as a useful tool to use where there are expected to be significant impacts. HIA also supports the delivery of wider national policy and aims to create healthy places and reduce health inequalities such as the National Design Guide | MHCLG | 2021, Healthy Homes, a foundation for healthier and resilient communities | UK Gov | 2025 , Health matters: physical activity - prevention and management of long-term conditions | Public Health England | 2020 and Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport | Department for Transport | 2026
Health and wellbeing are impacted not only by an individual’s behaviour, but by the ‘wider determinants of health’ which are a range of social, economic and environmental factors. HIA is based on the consideration of the ‘wider determinants of health’ within the built and natural environment, such as housing, transport and green space. These influence the health of an individual or population and affect health, wellbeing, and health inequalities. For more information see Wider Determinants of Health | Department of Health and Social Care
Benefits of Undertaking a HIA on Proposed Developments
A HIA undertaken on a proposed development has many benefits beyond a more strategic HIA that may have been undertaken for the Development Plan either as a standalone assessment or as part of a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) or Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA).
The HIA process provides an opportunity to consider how policies collectively within the Development Plan are interpretated and implemented in the specific local context, to benefit health and wellbeing.
A HIA is an essential systematic process, methodology, and tool:
- For developers/applicants to systematically and comprehensively consider, work through and evidence considerations for health and wellbeing.
- For developers/applicants to demonstrate the health and wellbeing benefits and opportunities of the proposal and how it has been positively and beneficially planned so that it will mitigate against negative health impacts and maximise positive opportunities for the health and wellbeing of both the existing communities in the area as well as future residents of the new development proposal.
- Which will help shape the proposal so that it meets the requirements of health and wellbeing related policies within Local Plans.
- Which provides transparency and shows how the proposed development meets the Public Health prevention and doing no harm principles.
- That provides a transparent process which engages and involves communities affected by the proposal and incorporates, where appropriate, local community needs.
- That provides a useful mechanism and evidence to inform decision making showing the potential health and wellbeing impacts and effects.
- Which increases awareness and coordinates action across sectors, stakeholders and communities on health and wellbeing issues and decisions.
- Which can potentially reduce additional demand and burden on the NHS and social care budgets through the promotion of good health and prevention of ill-health.
Requirement for HIA
The requirement for certain development proposals to undertake HIA Screening or to automatically undertake a HIA will be set out in Local Plan policies and/or within the Planning Application Validation Checklist for the specific LPA which the proposal falls within. Each LPA may set different requirements for HIA which will be dependent on the specific characteristics of their area.
All emerging Local Plans in East Sussex contain a draft policy with a HIA requirement, these requirements however are subject to change as Plans move through to adoption. This Manual will be updated accordingly with further specific details as this happens. There are benefits as outlined in 2.2 of undertaking a HIA and this is recommended on a voluntary basis ahead of a formal requirement, where there are expected to be significant impacts on health and wellbeing.
Prospective applicants will need to check the precise HIA requirements e.g. if screening or an automatic HIA is required for their proposed development within the area’s Local Plan and the Planning Application Validation Checklist, which sets out the information required for the submission of a valid planning application. Both are produced by the LPA for the area the proposed development is in and can be found on their respective websites.
Who should undertake a HIA and roles and responsibilities and competencies
The Developer - is responsible for the undertaking of a HIA Screening and HIA if required. The HIA should be completed by those with an appropriate understanding of the project, its context and public health knowledge. It is essential that this includes knowledge and understanding of health and wellbeing issues, priorities and outcomes, the wider determinants of health, vulnerable groups and how these are affected by development proposals.
LPAs - will manage the overall HIA process providing support, guidance and decisions to the developer. They will liaise and consult with Public Health Officers as necessary and as agreed in the Engagement and Process Protocols (EPPs) between Public Health and individual LPAs.
Public Health - will be responsible for leading and providing overarching advice on HIA across the county and will review, assist and support LPAs and developers in undertaking HIA Screening and HIAs. They will engage and provide information to LPAs as agreed in the EPPs between Public Health and individual LPAs.
Overall East Sussex HIA process and methodology
Public Health and all LPAs in East Sussex have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (add link) to work together to improve the health and wellbeing of residents through the planning system. A coordinated and consistent strategic approach to planning for health has been developed across East Sussex through a Planning for Health Working Group which includes the co-development of HIA guidance to support the HIA requirements in planning policy and development management processes.
Table 1: Key East Sussex HIA Principles, Aims and Approaches:
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Principle |
Aim |
Approach aspect |
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User friendly |
Developers and officers have clear understanding of what is expected and required. |
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Focused |
Local health and wellbeing issues and priorities are considered and delivered. |
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Consistent Approach |
There is a consistent approach across the county to creating healthy places.
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Proportionate |
HIA is proportionate and reflects the scale of and potential health and wellbeing impacts and opportunities of the specific development proposal.
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Adds benefit |
Incorporation of measures which will contribute and lead to improved health and wellbeing outcomes as well as opportunities for the developer.
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Types of HIA
The East Sussex approach does not include the use of different types of HIA or refer to terms such as ‘desktop, ‘rapid’ and ‘comprehensive’.
Terms such as ‘desktop, ‘rapid’ and ‘comprehensive’ are sometimes used to describe different types of HIA. However, there is no consistency in their interpretation and how they are practically applied, often leading to confusion about which type of HIA should be used. The terms are often not representative, nor do they reflect assessments required and can be unhelpful. For example, using the term ‘rapid’ can undermine the credibility of the HIA. Development proposal timescales and details can change, a HIA should be undertaken alongside the proposal and therefore will reflect its individual timescales and particular circumstances.
The East Sussex approach, instead of using different types of HIA, ensures that all HIAs are proportionate by including robust integrated screening and scoping stages which will identify the specific site opportunities, requirements, and expectations. The conclusions of these stages will influence the scale and focus of the HIA.
Timings and integrating the HIA process
HIA is a process which should influence and support the proposal throughout its development to ensure health and wellbeing is considered and built into the scheme at the earliest opportunity.
It is most effective when the HIA process is started early and undertaken concurrently to inform and shape the proposal as it is progressed. The East Sussex approach front loads comprehensive consideration and incorporation of health and wellbeing early into the development process. This will ensure that measures can be incorporated early so that key opportunities for mitigating and maximising health and wellbeing benefits are not missed, rather than it be done retrospectively when there is little opportunity to develop the proposal.
A thorough consideration and incorporation of the HIA process will lead to a better quality HIA, than an isolated assessment. It will reduce gaps which would need to be picked up later and will lead to a development which maximises health and wellbeing benefits. This will reduce delays and having to repeat stages or fill in missed information once the application and HIA have been submitted.
The timing of stages will be different depending on the scale and nature of the proposed development, the following is a rough guide:
Screening and Scoping Stages
- These should be undertaken with the Integrated Template completed and submitted when the overall nature of the proposal is known but before details of the scheme design have been decided so that health and wellbeing can be factored in and optimised at the very start. (Undertake during RIBA Plan of Work Stage 2)
Appraisal Stage
- Information for the Local Profile: baseline, context and evidence, which supports the appraisal should be collated as the scheme is developed.
- The appraisal of health and wellbeing impacts should be undertaken once options for the overall design and layout of the scheme are known, or at least the nature and purpose of the proposal is known so that potential impacts can be assessed, but it should be done early enough so that findings can influence the scheme and changes (for example, to the layout) can be made.
- Appraisal recommendations which require changes to the scheme should be considered and actioned before the planning application is submitted. (Undertake during RIBA Plan of Work Stage 2 and 3)
Outline and Reserved Matters Applications
For development proposals which require a HIA and are seeking planning approval through separate Outline and Reserved Matters applications, a HIA will need to be undertaken at both stages. The level of detail in the HIA will reflect the content of the applications.
The HIA for the Outline application will need to consider the overall principles of the development proposal and its impact on health and wellbeing considering its location, scale and proposed uses. This will include impacts on the wider area, access to services and facilities and transport impacts. The HIA can identify and recommend specific aspects and site details, as appropriate, which will be considered and undertaken as part of the Reserved Matters application. The Reserved Matters application HIA will then build on the HIA undertaken at the Outline stage by considering the detail around the matters being considered at that stage.
Determining Significance
When considering health and wellbeing impacts through the HIA process it is necessary to make professional judgements, using the evidence available, on their potential significance. The significance of an impact can only be identified in relation to the scale and type of the project and its location.
As shown in the tables below (from Health Impact Assessment in spatial planning | PHE | 2020 ) significance can be determined by:
- The expected magnitude of the health and wellbeing impact on specific population characteristics.
- The likelihood of the impact occurring within specific population groups.
- The sensitivity of the receptors such as vulnerable population groups, or environmental conditions.
Impacts can be:
- positive (beneficial), neutral (no discernible change) or negative (adverse)
- direct or indirect
- permanent, or temporary (short, medium or long term)
- cumulative
Table 2: Significant impact
Table 3: Likelihood of impact
Impacts, effects and outcomes
There are references within this Toolkit to ‘Impacts’, ‘Effects’ and ‘Outcomes’, to clarify the use and meaning of these terms the following definitions are provided:
- Impacts: are the changes caused by the proposal, compared to what currently exists. Impacts describe what has changed because of the proposal and changes can be positive or negative. E.g. changes in traffic levels, housing quality, access to green space, or provision of active travel routes.
- Effects: are the consequences of impacts for people, places/environment(s), or health and wellbeing, taking account of who or what is affected and their level of sensitivity or vulnerability. Effects may be short, medium, or long‑term, and may occur immediately or develop over time. Effects can be positive or negative and may affect the environment or how people live and feel. E.g. changes in air quality or noise, increases in physical activity, improved social interaction, or reduction in stress.
- Outcomes: are the longer‑term results for population health and wellbeing arising from impacts and effects, often alongside other factors. Outcomes tend to be longer‑term and may be cumulative or unintended, interacting with other social, environmental, and economic factors. E.g. changes in respiratory or cardiovascular disease rates, mental health, quality of life, life expectancy or health inequalities.
Flowchart of HIA and Planning Stages
PART 2: How to Guide to Completing HIA Stages and Templates
1. Screening stage
Who needs to do it and when
- Screening should be undertaken by the developer or those undertaking it on their behalf.
- Screening is required for any proposed development which is above the threshold for HIA Screening but below the threshold for an automatic HIA to be undertaken.
- HIA thresholds and triggers are set out within Local Plan policies and the validation checklists for each LPA.
- Screening should be undertaken as early in the development design process as possible, once the overall nature of the proposal is known but before details of the scheme have been decided. (RIBA Plan of Work Stage 2)
Overall purpose
- Screening is a systematic way to decide if a HIA should be undertaken.
- It identifies if a proposed development is likely, or there is potential for it, to have significant health and wellbeing impacts.
Overall process
The potential for a proposed development to have significant health and wellbeing impacts depends on:
- The site and location characteristics, scale, sensitivities and opportunities – e.g. green space potential within the site or green space nearby, urban area with good links to services or barriers within the area to key services, potential to create active travel links to key destinations within the local area.
- The local population characteristics and area health and wellbeing issues[1] and priorities[2]- e.g. physical activity rates, obesity levels, proportion of older people, level of health conditions due to poor air quality.
[1] Health and wellbeing issues are the broader contextual issues related to health and wellbeing including any physical, mental or emotional conditions and the wider determinants of health.
[2] Health and wellbeing priorities are the specific priorities for a specific area in relation to health and wellbeing, the wider determinants of health and the specific health inequalities.
The process involves:
- Answering criteria questions related to health and wellbeing determinants which are distinct and can be objectively identified or measured. This will reflect the site’s features and provisions which are either already existing, or which could be provided.
- Determining if the likelihood or potential for health and wellbeing impacts would be ‘significant’ or ‘limited’. Impacts could either be positive or negative. ‘Significant’ impacts will score ‘2’, limited will score ‘1’ and no impact ‘0’.
The screening conclusions section will:
- Provide an overall score for the likelihood/potential for health and wellbeing impacts.
- List the determinants where there is potential for a significant or limited health and wellbeing impact.
- Where relevant, identify and provide evidence that a HIA would not add benefit due to either:
- measures already being proposed which would maximise benefits or mitigate negative impacts identified; or
- impacts and opportunities will be addressed in another assessment
- State whether a HIA is required.
- Where a HIA is not required, it will provide any other recommended actions to maximise health and wellbeing.
- Be completed initially by the applicant, information will then be checked, comments and a final decision and actions will be provided by either a Public Health or a LPA Planning Officer.
Scoring and decision-making process
The decision on whether a HIA is undertaken or not will be dependent on whether there is potential for significant (paragraph 2.8) health and wellbeing impacts across a range of determinants, either positive or negative. A significant in-combination impact could potentially lead to greater effects on health and wellbeing, especially on vulnerable groups, than a single impact on one determinant.
The decision-making process will decide whether the potential impacts or opportunities are already being adequately addressed or will be covered by existing measures and/or other assessments.
Firstly Consider: The likelihood/potential of a significant health and wellbeing in-combination impact by adding together the scores from all the health and wellbeing determinants to get an ‘Overall Score’ - the maximum score is 30.
If the ‘Overall Score’ is:
- 6 or above – a HIA may be required because there is potential for impacts across several determinants - go to second consideration
- Between 2 and 6 – a HIA is not required because there is limited potential for significant impacts or potential is focused on one or two areas. Specific actions and advice maybe required for the few areas where there are opportunities to maximise positive health and wellbeing impacts and mitigate any negative impacts.
- Below 2 – a HIA is not required, and no further action is needed because there is minimal potential for significant impacts.
Secondly Consider (only if scored 6 or above): If the HIA would duplicate work already done or could be incorporated into another assessment, such as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or a Design and Access Statement.
- If evidence can be provided which shows that all potential impacts, including all aspects of health and wellbeing and all opportunities for benefits has or will be fully considered and maximised as part of work done or another assessment then a HIA will not be required. This will include appropriate community engagement on potential health and wellbeing impacts.
- If no or inadequate evidence can be provided, then a HIA will be required.
Types of decisions
The screening process will result in the following types of decisions:
- HIA required - there is potential for significant health and wellbeing impacts, and these have not already or are not being fully covered by other assessments or measures.
- HIA not required but other suggested actions – there are limited or focused impacts so consider certain aspects to minimise/address identified potential impacts and/or to maximise health and wellbeing benefits and/or undertake community engagement on a particular issue.
- HIA not required no further action needed – no potential impacts or would be negligible or impacts are already being fully covered and considered by other assessments or measures.
Completing the template
The Screening and Scoping Template is an integrated template which supports both the screening and scoping stages. This removes the duplication between the stages and streamlines the two processes.
Guidance for applicant
All applicants that are required to undertake HIA Screening need to complete parts A, B and C of the Screening and Scoping Template, and submit this to either the LPA or Public Health, Healthy Places Team. (Check with the specific LPA about whether to submit to them or direct to Public Health).
Part A – Proposal and overarching details
This section provides an initial overview of the existing health and wellbeing context for the proposed development, highlighting key issues and population groups which the proposal may impact on either positively or negatively or unintentionally.
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Template section |
Guidance |
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2. Pre-application reference number
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This could either have been provided by the LPA or could be a specific Public Health reference depending on who is managing the screening process. If unknown leave blank. |
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4. Local Health and Wellbeing data, issues and inequalities |
As a minimum provide local data, down to ward level unless overwise stated, for the following health and wellbeing indicators, including population characteristics and compare with district, county and national averages:
Highlight and describe the key local population and health trends. E.g. High percentage of the ward population are aged above 65 which is higher than district, county or England averages. Data unless otherwise stated can be obtained from the East Sussex Healthy Places Data Profile |
Part B – Potential for health and wellbeing impacts
Part B provides a structure for identifying potential health and wellbeing impacts for both the screening and scoping stages.
The structure is based around the 5 ‘Aspects’ of the built and natural environment which have been identified as the main characteristics that can be influenced by planning (Spatial Planning for Health: an evidence resource for planning and designing healthier places | Public Health England | 2017 :
- Neighbourhood Design
- Housing
- Food
- Natural Environments
- Transport
Health and Wellbeing ‘Determinants’ are grouped under each of these 5 ‘Aspects’. It focuses on the wider determinants of health that are most relevant to the built and natural environment, and which can be influenced by development proposals.
This structure of ‘Aspects’ and ‘Determinants’ is a consistent structure in the:
- Integrated Scoping and Screening Template
- HIA Appraisal Template
- East Sussex Planning for Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability Framework.
Table 5: Column explanation and guidance on completing certain parts of the Integrated Screening and Scoping Template Part B.
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Column |
Explanation and Guidance |
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C. Criteria Questions |
Questions are focused on the site or location characteristics and opportunities, local population characteristics and area health and wellbeing data. Questions include whether specific provisions and features that may impact on health and wellbeing could be provided by the proposal. |
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D. Answers |
Provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answer to the criteria questions. This should be based on current knowledge with reference to proposal details, Local Plan policies, data from the Healthy Places Profile or JSNA, or guidance documents referenced in the template such as Open Space studies. It should also be based on any realistic options that could be delivered or lost as part of the proposal – such as public green space or the loss of a facility. This is not a commitment that certain aspects will be provided just that they will be considered, or maximising health and wellbeing measures will be considered as part of options, design and delivery. |
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E. Significant thresholds or triggers
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Thresholds or triggers – East Sussex Planning for Health definitions: Thresholds - where there is a numerical parameter e.g. specific health indicator above national average. Triggers – where there is potential for an impact on a sensitive population group or location e.g. loss of green space. This column provides the specific minimum thresholds or triggers for potential ‘Significant’ impacts. This is based on scale, likelihood and sensitivity of receptors. Impacts can be positive or negative. (see ‘Determining Significance’ in Context Section for further details on significance) Thresholds and triggers are provided for ‘Limited’ impacts only where this is appropriate and can be objectively identified and measured. Impacts are ‘Limited’ mainly due to scale (small) and duration (temporary). |
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F. Likelihood/potential for health and wellbeing impacts |
Score the answer (2,1 or 0) by referring to information in column E. The impact could be positive, negative, uncertain or mixed at this stage. The nature of the impact will depend on how the issue or factor is addressed or the detailed implementation of how a measure is provided. |
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G. Rationale for score
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Provide an explanation of the score in column F with reference as to why there is or is not potential for significant or limited impacts |
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H. Evidence and/or intelligence
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Provide the source(s) of the evidence or intelligence that has led to the answers in the previous columns. E.g. data source, proposal detail, Local Plan policy. |
Part C – Screening Conclusions:
Table 6: Explanatory notes on completing the Integrated Screening and Scoping Template Part C.
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Template section |
Guidance |
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1. Summary of potential significant health and wellbeing impacts
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Tick all the determinants which scored ‘2’. |
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2. Summary of potential limited health and wellbeing impacts |
Tick all the determinants which scored ‘1’. |
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3. Likelihood/potential for health & wellbeing impacts - total score across all determinants. |
Add up all the scores in column F to produce an overall total score. Note: Maximum score is 30 |
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4. Are there any measures proposed in the scheme which will fully mitigate negative, and maximise positive, potential significant health and wellbeing issues, impacts, opportunities and effects as identified above? If yes provide details and how these will be fully covered. |
Provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. If measures will only partly cover the potential issues, impacts, opportunities and effects the answer is ‘No’. If ‘Yes’ provide comprehensive details on the measures. Include where appropriate additional documents showing specifically what is being proposed and how these will fully cover potential issues, impacts, opportunities and effects. |
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5. Will the potential for significant health issues, impacts, opportunities and effects, as identified above, be fully addressed in another assessment and do not need to be covered again in a HIA?
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Provide a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. If assessment will only partly cover the potential issues, impacts, opportunities and effects the answer must be ‘No’. If ‘Yes’ provide comprehensive details on how health and wellbeing will be fully covered and considered. Include where appropriate additional documents showing specifically what will be undertaken. Include opportunities for Public Health to review assessment. |
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6. HIA Required? Yes or No If ‘Yes’ move on to Part D – Scoping Conclusions If ‘No’ complete row 7 |
With reference to the previous rows and section 3.4 decide if a HIA is required. Information will be checked by either a Public Health or LPA Planning Officer who will make the final decision. |
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7. Any other actions required to maximise health and wellbeing benefits. |
If there are limited impacts or impacts on one determinant identify how health and wellbeing could be considered. This could include: Liaising with Public Health to help maximise specific significant or limited opportunities to create benefits for the proposal and surrounding area. Community engagement depending on the specific population groups affected and the area’s health issues and priorities. |
Submission
Once the template has been completed it should be submitted to either the LPA or to Public Health, Healthy Places Team - healthyplaces@eastsussex.gov.uk Check with the specific LPA, which the site is located in, about whether the template should be submitted to them or directly to Public Health.
Guidance for Public Health and LPA Planning Officers
Review information submitted in Parts A and B
Ensure all areas have been adequately considered. Refer to evidence provided on proposal details, local plan policies and other guidance documents. If necessary, liaise with specific subject expert officers to make a judgement, such as transport officers regarding potential opportunities for a new walking and wheeling route.
Complete column three of Part C: Screening conclusions
Either agree with the applicant’s comments or note where information has not been provided, or areas have been missed. Provide reasons for why there is likely to be potential for significant health and wellbeing impacts. It may be necessary to request further information from the applicant if information is not provided or unclear.
Review evidence provided under sections 5 and 6
Consider if it shows that all potential impacts, including all aspects of health and wellbeing and all opportunities for benefits has or will be fully addressed and maximised as part of work done or another assessment. Decide if the evidence is adequate to conclude that no HIA is required as it would duplicate work done or will be undertaken. Ensure that the full scope of health and wellbeing mitigation and benefits will be considered and that where necessary Public Health will be consulted on the measures or assessments.
Decide if a HIA should be undertaken
Based on the information provided and a desk top review of the site location, opportunities, local plan policies, decide whether a HIA should be undertaken. If information is incomplete or uncertain a HIA should be undertaken to ensure health and wellbeing impacts are considered.
If an applicant disagrees with the conclusion that a HIA is required, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide evidence to show how there would not be likely or potential for significant impacts or how any potential impacts would be mitigated, or benefits maximised.
If it is concluded that a HIA is not required
Consider if there are any opportunities to increase health and wellbeing benefits related to either one specific area or where there are limited opportunities. This could include:
- Providing further details or signpost to guidance on maximising health and wellbeing impacts, such as specific design measures.
- Suggest undertaking community engagement around certain issues or with certain population groups.
Inform the applicant
Provide the completed template to the applicant informing them of whether a HIA is required.
2. Scoping stage
Who needs to do it and when
- The Scoping Stage should be undertaken by the developer or those undertaking on their behalf a HIA.
- It should be undertaken if the proposed development is required to undertake a HIA., either through:
- A Local Plan policy for the area automatically requiring a HIA to be undertaken for the proposed development; or
- Where the screening process was undertaken and has concluded that a HIA is required.
It should be done early in the process, when the overall nature of the proposal is known but before details of the scheme have been decided so that health and wellbeing can be factored in and optimised at the very start.
Overall purpose
- The Scoping Stage is the first part of the HIA process.
- It considers the overall issues, impacts and opportunities the HIA needs to include, which specific determinant impacts need to be examined, and which population groups need to be considered.
- It involves asking questions, making decisions, and determining the focus.
- It allows for early consideration of the specific population groups and health and wellbeing issues.
- It sets the overall parameters of the appraisal and the resources which are available to support it.
Overall process
Like the Screening Stage it involves identifying the potential for health and wellbeing impacts based on the site and location opportunities, scale, type, population characteristics and the health issues and inequalities of the area. (See section 3.3 Overall process in the Screening Stage).
This will:
- Determine the focus of the appraisal stage.
- Determine whether health and wellbeing determinants can be scoped out because there is no potential or likelihood of impacts. This could be due to the type of development proposal, the lack of opportunities within the proposal site and/or surrounding area, or the health issues/priorities within the area.
Scoping also considers:
- The geographical area which will be affected by the proposal.
- The key vulnerable groups which will be affected by the proposal.
- The evidence and data sources which could be used to inform the appraisal.
- Other assessments being undertaken to support the proposal which could inform the HIA, such as transport assessments and design and access statements.
Conclusions
The scoping conclusions section will:
- Identify the key areas of focus for the appraisal based on the potential for significant health and wellbeing impacts.
- Identify areas which can be scoped out.
- Identify key local population groups which should be considered.
- Set the geographical area for the appraisal.
- Lists the evidence and data sources which will be used in the appraisal stage.
- Lists other assessments which will inform the appraisal stage.
Completing the template
The Screening and Scoping Template is an integrated template which supports both the scoping and the screening stages. This removes the duplication between the stages and streamlines the two processes.
Guidance for applicant
All applicants that are required to undertake a HIA need to complete parts A, B and D of the Integrated Screening and Scoping Template.
Applicants who have already done a HIA Screening will have already completed parts A and B so will only need to do Part D.
Part A – Proposal and overarching details:
See guidance for section under screening stage.
Part B –Potential for healthy and wellbeing impacts:
See guidance for section under screening stage.
Part D – Scoping Conclusions:
Table 7: Explanatory notes on completing the Integrated Screening and Scoping Template Part D.
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Template section |
Guidance |
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1. Key areas of focus - based on potential for significant health and wellbeing impacts
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Delete all determinants which did not score ‘2’. So that you are left with a list of all those that did score ‘2’. These are the key areas of focus due to them having the greatest potential for significant impacts. If ‘Quality provision of services and facilities’ scored ‘2’ you must also include: ‘Social cohesion and interaction’. If any of the Transport determinants scored ‘2’ you must also include: ‘Connectivity’ and ‘Mobility and accessibility’. |
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2. Areas to be considered - based on potential for limited health and wellbeing impacts
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Delete all determinants which did not score ‘1’. So that you are left with a list of all those that did score ‘1’. These are areas where there is potential for limited impacts, and therefore they need to be considered. If ‘Quality provision of services and facilities’ scored ‘1’ you must also include: ‘Social cohesion and interaction’. If any of the Transport determinants scored ‘1’ you must also include: ‘Connectivity’ and ‘Mobility and accessibility’. |
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3. Determinants to be scoped out – based on no potential for impacts
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Delete all determinants which did not score ‘0’. Leaving the determinants which can be scoped out. If ‘Quality provision of services and facilities’ scored ‘0’ you can also include: ‘Social cohesion and interaction’. Only if all the transport determinants scored ‘0’ can you also include: ‘Connectivity’ and ‘Mobility and accessibility’. |
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4. Population groups, particularly vulnerable groups, who may be affected |
With reference to the list of vulnerable population groups within the ‘Framework’, identify the groups who potentially could be affected by the proposal, either positively or negatively. Refer to data in Part A: 4., where it shows groups make up a high proportion of the local population. |
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5. Geographic area to be covered by the HIA |
Consider the area beyond the proposed development boundary that could be affected by the proposal. The extent will depend on the type and scale of the proposal. It may only be the surrounding streets, but it may affect the surrounding ward(s), neighbourhood(s) or settlement. Consider if the proposal will provide services or active travel links which would benefit the surrounding area, whether it will create additional air pollution or noise which would impact neighbouring areas, or whether it will put additional pressure on existing services within the surrounding area. Based on these considerations set an appropriate boundary for the appraisal and give reasons for the decision. |
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6. Evidence/data sources which will inform the HIA.
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Provide a list of evidence and data sources that could be used to support the HIA appraisal. This could include gaps in evidence which will be researched or evidence which will be undertaken that will provide additional data. This is to make sure that there is consideration of all appropriate data sources that could support and provide evidence for the appraisal. If the proposal is close to a ward or district/borough boundary, then adjoining ward data will also need to also be considered and should be highlighted at this stage. |
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7. Other assessments which will inform the HIA e.g. transport assessment, air & noise quality assessment, design and access statement
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List all the assessments which will inform the HIA appraisal. These may have already been undertaken or will be undertaken. This is to identify early on any potential other work areas that could inform the appraisal. The appraisal is a holistic look at health and wellbeing impacts pulling together all available evidence.
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8. Stakeholder engagement – Who are the stakeholders? How will they be engaged with and when?
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Based on research of the key local population groups and health issues in the area, decide who the key stakeholders are. This could include local community groups. Provide initial options for how and when the engagement will take place. This could include general community engagement events which include key questions on health and wellbeing issues. Or specific meetings with certain groups which will be particularly affected. The level of engagement should be proportionate to the scale of the proposal and the health and wellbeing issues and opportunities identified. |
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9. Who will be undertaking the HIA appraisal |
Provide details of who will be undertaking or leading the HIA appraisal and the necessary skills they have. Briefly outline their qualification in both planning and public health. Also, their knowledge, experience and understanding of HIAs and of health and wellbeing issues, priorities, effects and outcomes. Include any relevant training that has been undertaken. |
Submission
Once the template has been completed it should be submitted to either the LPA or to Public Health, Healthy Places Team - healthyplaces@eastsussex.gov.uk Check with the specific LPA, which the site is located in, about whether the template should be submitted to them or directly to Public Health.
Guidance for Public Health and LPA Planning Officers
Review information submitted in Parts A and B
Ensure all areas have been adequately considered. Refer to evidence provided on proposal details, local plan policies and other guidance documents. If necessary, liaise with specific subject expert officers to make a judgement such as transport officers regarding potential opportunities for a new walking and wheeling route.
Complete column three of Part D-Scoping conclusions
Either agree with the applicant’s comments or note where information has not been provided, or areas have been missed.
Review and decide on sections 1 and 3
Based on the information provided and a desk top review of the site location, opportunities, and local plan policies decide if the key areas of focus are correct and whether there are areas which can be scoped out. This is likely to be due to the type of proposal, and/or the lack of opportunities within the proposal site and/or surrounding area. If there is uncertainty on the impacts and there maybe potential impacts or opportunities it should be scoped in at this stage. If during the appraisal there is additional evidence that there is no impact, then it can be scoped out at that stage.
Review information provided in sections 4 to 9
Ensure appropriate consideration and information has been provided. Query where there is limited, incomplete or uncertain information provided. Fill in gaps or raise further points or issues where necessary. Ensure that the level of information, evidence and engagement that is proposed to be undertaken, is appropriate for the type, and scale of the development and the health and wellbeing impacts and opportunities of the proposal. Ensure that an adequately competent person will be undertaking or leading the HIA with relevant knowledge and experience of public health and planning to ensure the HIA is carried out effectively. This will be proportional to the size and complexities of the proposal and the health and wellbeing issues and impacts.
Inform the applicant
Return the completed template to the applicant informing them of the agreed scope of HIA.
3. Appraisal stage
Who needs to do it and when
- The Appraisal should be undertaken by the developer or those undertaking on their behalf a HIA.
- All proposed developments that are required to undertake a HIA either through policy or a validation list requirement or through the screening process.
- Evidence and data which could inform the appraisal should be collated as the scheme is developed and other assessments are undertaken.
- The appraisal of health and wellbeing impacts should be undertaken once the overall design and layout of the scheme is known, or at least the nature and purpose of the proposal is known, so that impacts can be assessed, but it should be done early enough so that the appraisal recommendations can influence the scheme and changes can be made prior to planning application submission. (Undertake during RIBA Plan of Work Stage 2 and 3).
- In more complex development proposals, it may be necessary and useful for the appraisal to be repeated, or sections revised if/when there are significant changes.
- The appraisal should be seen as a useful process which can influence and support the proposal throughout its development.
Overall purpose
- The purpose of the appraisal stage is to assess and quantify the impacts and effects of the proposed development on the health and wellbeing of the local and future development population, particularly those most vulnerable.
- It assesses the nature of impacts and effects and makes recommendations of how negative impacts can be mitigated and benefits can be maximised.
Overall process
- The appraisal stage updates and builds on the work undertaken at the screening and scoping stages which informed the parameters of the appraisal and identified the potential for health and wellbeing impacts and opportunities.
Local Profile
- The Local Profile collates evidence from a range of sources to inform the identification and assessment of the likely health impacts from the proposal.
- The information will inform the development of the proposal and provide evidence, knowledge and understanding for undertaking the appraisal.
- It develops and updates the contextual information and evidence provided at the scoping stage within the agreed boundaries defined at this earlier stage.
- It includes:
- local population data,
- health and wellbeing data and intelligences,
- policy context,
- engagement with stakeholders and the local community, and
- other assessments undertaken to support the proposal.
Appraisal
- The appraisal assesses how the development proposal will impact on health and wellbeing determinants within the built and natural environment.
- It identifies how the proposal will affect different population groups, both future occupiers of the proposal and people from the surrounding area who will use the site or will be impacted by it.
- It assesses whether impacts will be positive or negative or uncertain.
- It considers cumulative and unintended impacts and the impacts at all stages, both at the construction and operational phases of the proposal.
- It uses the findings to recommend changes to the design, implementation and management of the proposal that would mitigate adverse impacts and improve positive health and wellbeing impacts.
Completing the HIA template
Applicants need to complete the following parts within the East Sussex Health Impact Assessment Template:
- Part E: Local Profile: Baseline, context and evidence
- Part F: Appraisal of health and wellbeing issues, impacts and effects
Part E: Local Profile: Baseline, context and evidence
This section builds on the contextual information provided at the scoping stage and provides evidence that will inform and support the appraisal process.
Part F: Appraisal of health and wellbeing issues, impacts and effects
The level of detail will depend on the scale of the proposal and the potential for significant impacts identified at the scoping stage.
Table 8: Explanatory notes on completing certain parts of the HIA Template Part E.
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Template section |
Guidance |
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3. Description of the proposal
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Brief description of the proposal including all land uses and quantities e.g. 75 dwellings, 100m² floorspace of retail, 1,200m² green space. Include overall aims and objectives of the proposal and broad timescales for the different phases e.g. construction and operational.
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4. Baseline: Geographic scope |
Referring to the scoping stage conclusions outline the geographical boundaries of the appraisal, and the areas beyond the proposed development boundary that would be affected by the proposal. The extent will depend on the type and scale of the proposal e.g. the streets, wards or neighbourhoods covered.
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5. Baseline: Characteristics and issues of the site and surrounds |
Brief description of existing uses on the site and surrounding area e.g. vacant brown field site in residential area next to care home. Include links or distance to other neighbouring proposals if relevant, as there may be cumulative impacts.
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6. Baseline: Current local and predicted future population characteristics and issues including vulnerable groups |
Brief description of local population characteristics likely to be affected building on responses in the Integrated Screening and Scoping Template. Use the Healthy Places profile and other evidence collected. Also include projected population characteristics from the proposal based on proposed housing types e.g. families, older people. Refer to list of vulnerable groups in the ‘Framework’.
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7. Baseline data and public health intelligence: Local Health and wellbeing issues and priorities |
Brief description of local health and wellbeing issues and priorities building on responses in the Integrated Screening and Scoping Template. Link to Section 4. geographical scope. Use Healthy Places profile, JSNA and other data sources and evidence collected. If the proposal is close to a ward or district/borough boundary, then adjoining ward data will also need to be considered and highlighted.
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8. Context: National and Local Planning Policy and other relevant polices related to Health and Wellbeing
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List relevant national policies related to health and wellbeing and those in the Development Plans and Strategies for the area where appropriate and relevant to the development proposal.
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9. Evidence: Other assessments used |
List other assessments which have been used to inform the appraisal such as Transport Assessment, Design and Access Statement, Air Quality Assessment and Noise Assessment. |
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10. Evidence: stakeholder engagement including community consultations |
List stakeholder and community engagements which have been undertaken and have informed the appraisal such as workshops and consultation events. The level of engagement and identified groups should reflect the scoping stage conclusions. Include technical specialists and key stakeholders that have been involved in and have influenced the proposed development. |
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11. Scope: Health and Wellbeing Determinants which have been scoped out |
Referring to the scoping stage conclusions include any determinants which have been agreed can be scoped out of the appraisal. If since the scoping stage, there is additional evidence which shows that other determinants can be scoped out include these with justification of why this can be done. |
Part F: Appraisal of health and wellbeing issues, impacts and effects
The level of detail will depend on the scale of the proposal and the potential for significant impacts identified at the scoping stage.
Table 9: Explanatory notes for completing the HIA Template Part F.
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Template Column |
Guidance |
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C. Proposal Details and evidence
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Put ‘Scoped out’ for all determinants that have been listed in Part E: Local Profile 11. For all other determinants provide a comprehensive list of the elements and measures within the proposal that are expected to impact the determinant and have an effect on health and wellbeing. Where relevant include supporting evidence, data or intelligence that demonstrates the need for these elements or measures and explain the rationale for their inclusion. For example, reference instances where the local community or stakeholders have raised specific local or site issues that the proposed measure aim to address. Identify any constraints or limitations within the site or surrounding area that have restricted the range of measures that could be implemented. Explain how these limitations have influenced the design, scope, or delivery of the proposal. Include details of where opportunities have been missed to mitigate negative impacts and to maximise the benefits to health and wellbeing. (Recommendations to address these missed opportunities will then need to be provided in column F.)
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D. Effects on the population
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List the specific population groups which will be impacted by the proposal, relating to this specific determinant. Consider both positive and negative impacts. Provide details on how measure will benefit specific vulnerable groups which have been identified in Part E: Local Profile Section 6. Consider whether the proposal will affect different groups in different ways. A proposal that benefits one section of the population may not benefit others. To reduce health inequalities within communities, it may be necessary to prioritise measures that support those who are least healthy or most disadvantaged.
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E. Overall potential health and wellbeing effects |
Considering the answers in the previous columns what will the proposal’s overall effects on health and wellbeing be? If there are mixed effects, consider the balance of negative and positive. If effects are unclear or difficult to judge put uncertain. Also take into account unintended consequences and the implications from missed opportunities. Missed opportunities for benefiting health and wellbeing should be counted as ‘negative’. E.g. not providing a connected active travel route would reduce people’s opportunities to be physically active, reduce connectivity, lead to more car trips reducing environmental quality.
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F. Recommendations |
Provide recommendations which address the missed opportunities that have been highlighted in column C. Recommendations should aim to maximise any potential health and wellbeing benefits and mitigate potential negative impacts and unintended consequences. They can be an opportunity to ‘fill in’ any gaps within the proposal and readdress any health issues that may be caused. Recommendations need to be: Clear and concise Realistic Achievable Manageable Reflective of all evidence It should be clear what should be done, who should do it, when it should be done, and how it should be done.
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4. Recommendations stage
Who needs to do it and when
- The Appraisal Recommendations stage should be undertaken by the developer or those undertaking on their behalf a HIA.
- It should be completed by all applicants of proposals which are required to undertake a HIA, either through planning policy requirement, a validation list requirement or through the screening process.
- It should be done early enough so that recommendations which require proposal changes to be made can be considered and actioned before the planning application is submitted.
Overall purpose
- To show how the appraisal recommendations have or will be actioned and provide reasons for why any recommendations have not been actioned or fully realised.
Overall process
- Consider appraisal recommendations and how they can be actioned.
- Where relevant make amendments to the proposal.
- Where relevant undertake further research and take forward actions from that research.
- If a recommendation is not related to the design of the proposal or to undertaking further research, consider through what mechanism and by who the recommendation can be implemented.
- If any recommendations cannot be actioned or fully realised, consider why this is the case and gather the evidence and justification for not taking it forward (either wholly or in part). This may relate to conflicting priorities, site limitations or viability.
Completing the Recommendations Template
Applicants need to complete Part G: Actioning recommendations within the East Sussex Health Impact Assessment Template for Planning Applications.
Part G – Actioning recommendations
The template sets out how the appraisal recommendations have been or will be actioned and provides justification of where actions have not been taken forward.
Table 10. Explanatory notes for completing certain parts of the HIA Template Part G.
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Template section |
Guidance |
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2. Who undertook the appraisal, their qualifications and experience |
Provide details of who has undertaken or led the appraisal. Briefly describe their qualifications in both planning and public health, experience, knowledge and understanding of HIA and health and wellbeing issues priorities, effects and outcomes. Include any relevant training that has been undertaken. |
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3. Date the appraisal was undertaken
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Provide dates for when the appraisal was undertaken. For large and complex proposals this is likely to be over several months. If the appraisal has been revised then state this and when revisions were undertaken. |
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4. Appraisal Recommendations
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List all appraisal recommendations identified in Part F, Column F in the first column then either fill out the second or third column depending on whether the recommendation has been actioned or will be actioned or whether it will not be actioned or fully realised. Actioned or to be actioned recommendations: Put in the second column how the recommendation has or will be implemented. If the recommendation has not yet been actioned, then state who will be responsible for that action, and when it will be achieved. For example: a maintenance or landscape management plan, who will be responsible for drafting this, how will it be agreed, and when will it commence e.g. before first occupation of any dwellings. Not actioned or fully realised recommendations: Put in the third column the reason why the recommendation was not actioned or fully realised. Provide any relevant evidence including links to documents such as other assessments to justify not taking the recommendation forward either fully or in part. |
5. Reporting stage
Who needs to do it and when
- It should be undertaken by the developer or those undertaking on their behalf a HIA.
- All proposed developments that are required to undertake a HIA either through a planning policy requirement, a validation list requirement, or through the screening process.
- When the planning application is submitted, it must be accompanied by the HIA. The HIA is the completed East Sussex Health Impact Assessment Template for Planning Applications:
- Part E: Local Profile: Baseline, context and evidence
- Part F: Appraisal of health and wellbeing issues, impacts and effects
- Part G: Actioning appraisal recommendations
Submission of a HIA Report instead of Completed Template
For larger proposals, and proposals with more complex significant health and wellbeing impacts, it may be more appropriate for the template sections to be expanded into a report format. Where this is considered necessary, all sections within the East Sussex HIA Template should to be covered clearly within the report structure.
The use of a report format is expected to be the exception, and most proposals will be required and expected to use and submit the East Sussex HIA Template Parts E, F and G.
6. Quality assurance stage
Who needs to do it and when
After a HIA is submitted, it will be checked by either a Public Health Officer or by a LPA Planning Officer in liaison with Public Health.
Overall purpose
- To check that the HIA has been undertaken adequately.
- To check that all processes have been undertaken.
- To check that an accurate assessment has been made of the likely health impacts.
- To check that appraisal recommendations are appropriate and have been properly put forward.
- To check that opportunities to mitigate any negative impacts, and to maximise any positive impacts, have not been missed.
- To check that appraisal recommendations have or will be actioned, or there are justifiable reasons for not actioning or fully realising the recommendation.
- To assess whether health and wellbeing has generally been appropriately considered in the development proposal.
Overall process
The East Sussex Quality Assurance Checklist will be used to establish if the submitted HIA is acceptable or to identify where further work is needed. It will provide a robust and consistent method for reviewing HIAs ensuring HIAs are fit for purpose, and proposals contribute to creating healthy sustainable communities.
If reviewed by a Public Health Officer:
- LPA Planning Officer will consult Public Health on the HIA.
- Public Health will complete the Checklist and submit to the LPA Planning Officer with any recommended actions to be taken.
- Recommendations will be considered by the LPA Planning Officer and reflected in further discussions with the applicant and requests for any changes required to the HIA and proposal.
If reviewed by LPA Planning Officer:
- LPA Planning Officer will complete the Checklist, liaising with Public Health if required.
- Their conclusions will form part of further discussions with the applicant and requests for any changes that need to be made to the HIA or the proposal within the context of other priorities.
Completing the Quality Assurance Checklist
The Checklist should be used by whoever is reviewing a submitted HIA, either a Public Health or LPA Planning Officer to ensure the HIA is adequate and to provide a consistent reviewing approach.
Each criterion should be awarded a grade with reference to the table below. Grades should not be averaged out across the section as this may hide important strengths or inadequacies. Information in the ‘Comments’ column should give the reason for the grading and outline the specific inadequacies and what further work, or clarifications, are required to address any shortfalls.
Table 10: Explanatory notes on grading:
| Criteria | Good | Requires strengthening | Inadequate |
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| Baseline – scope and site | Full information provided which is clear, references sourced. | Some information provided but gaps in reasoning of the scope or site and surroundings characteristics. | No information on scope or lack or reasons for it. Does not link to scoping template conclusions. No aims and objectives provided. |
| Baseline - local population characteristics and health data and intelligence. | All affected groups are identified. Good understanding of issues and priorities. | Some population groups and/or issues have been missed. | No or little understanding of the population groups affected or issues. No link to scoping template conclusions. |
| Context – policy | Relevant policies have been identified. | Few policy areas are missing. | Key policy areas are missing. |
| Evidence – other assessments | All relevant assessments have been included, and it is clear they have informed the appraisal. | Certain assessments have not been included which could have informed the appraisal. | Assessments have not been provided, and it is clear there has not been a link or other assessments have not informed the appraisal. |
| Evidence – stakeholder and community engagement | Range of stakeholder engagements have been undertaken which reflects scoping template conclusions. Points raised have been addressed in the appraisal. | Certain stakeholders have not been included which were identified in the scoping template conclusions. Certain points raised have not been addressed in the appraisal. | No or few stakeholder engagements have been undertaken. Does not reflect scoping template conclusions or what is appropriate for the proposal. |
| Criteria | Good | Requires strengthening | Inadequate |
|---|---|---|---|
| The proposal’s positive impacts and opportunities to maximise health and wellbeing are identified. | All issues, impacts and opportunities are provided. | Some issues, impacts and opportunities are provided but there are gaps in information and justifications. | No or limited issues, impacts and opportunities are provided. Little or no understanding of the issues, impact of the proposal on the determinant. |
| The proposal’s negative impacts, or unintended consequences are identified. | All potential issues and impacts and are provided. | Some issues and impacts are provided but there are gaps in information and justifications. | Potential issues and impacts have been missed. |
| Evidence to support issues and impacts is identified, and appropriate. | Appropriate level of evidence is provided to show impacts, both positive and negative, justifying need for measures or those being undertaken. | Some evidence is provided but clarification is needed to justify impacts and measures required. | No or very little evidence is provided on the need for or to justify and support impacts and the measures required or being taken. |
| The effects on the population particularly identified vulnerable groups is identified and any potential inequalities in distribution. | Clear link to population groups and how they will be impacted. Links well to vulnerable groups identified. | Some information is provided however impact to certain specific groups have not been highlighted. | No or very little information provided on impacts. Lack of understanding on impact to vulnerable groups. |
| Recommendations, as necessary, are provided to address negative impacts and/or to enhance benefits covering any missed opportunities identified. | Where necessary recommendations are provided to address impacts or enhance benefits. | Some recommendations are provided but specific opportunities have been missed. | No or few recommendations are provided further consideration is required to address areas where there are impacts to be addressed or key opportunities have been missed. |
| Criteria | Good | Requires strengthening | Inadequate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information on how recommendations have been implemented and incorporated into the proposal are provided or reasons given for not taking them forward or not fully realising. | Full details are provided on implemented recommendations and or full reasons with appropriate evidence to justify not actioning or fully realising. | Uncertain how recommendations have been fully incorporated. More evidence required for not taking forward or fully realising certain recommendations. | No details provided on how recommendations have been incorporated or reasons with evidence to show why they have not been actioned or fully realised. |
| Information on how recommendations will be implemented, including by who and when, is provided. | Full details provided on how, who and when recommendations will be implemented. | Uncertain how recommendations will be fully implemented. More details are required. | No details provided on how recommendations will be implemented including by who or when. |
7. Amendments to HIA report, proposal (if requred)
Who needs to do it and when
- Applicants who are requested by the LPA Planning Officer that changes need to be made to the HIA and/or the proposal.
- Requests will be based on the conclusions and recommendations from the Quality Assurance review.
- It will form part of the LPA’s consideration of the planning application.
Overall purpose
To ensure the HIA is of an adequate quality and that recommendations and opportunities have been fully reflected in the proposal.
Overall process
Applicants will need to redo, amend, reconsider or provide additional information as appropriate depending on the request made which are likely to be within the following areas.
HIA is inadequate or missed processes and information:
- Applicant will be requested to carry out the HIA or sections again and resubmit the HIA with the required extra/revised information.
- HIA findings and recommendations are not reflected in the proposal:
- Applicant will amend the proposal to reflect the HIA findings and recommendations or will need to provide justification of why these are different or not reflected in the proposal.
- Inadequate information on how HIA recommendations are to be actioned:
- Applicant will provide further information on how the HIA recommendations will be taken forward, or justification of why they cannot be actioned.
8. Further quality assurance stage (if required)
Where necessary a further check of the resubmitted HIA will be undertaken to ensure it has reached the required quality and that revised/further recommendations have been incorporated into the proposal or information provided on how these will be implemented.
9. Decision stage
Who needs to do it and when
The LPA Planning Officer will consider the HIA alongside the other evidence and consultation responses when making their recommended decision on the planning application. This will either be through the delegated decision process or through a report to the planning committee who will determine the planning application.
Overall purpose
To ensure that the HIA is used to inform the decision on the planning application. To guarantee that health and wellbeing measures are incorporated into the implementation of the planning permission and that all mechanisms appropriate to the proposal are considered and used.
The HIA provides a useful tool for decision makers showing how health and wellbeing have been considered within the application. It does not, however, provide a definitive answer on whether planning permission should be granted.
Overall process
- The HIA will be referred to in the LPA Planning Officer’s report or committee report for the planning application.
- If Public Health was consulted and undertook the review of the HIA this will be acknowledged in the report with a summary of Public Health’s findings and recommendations and how these have been actioned.
- If the review was undertaken by a LPA Planning Officer, their conclusions and any requests for changes based on this review will be outlined with details on how these were resolved. E.g. changes to the proposal, amended HIA, amended recommendations, recommendations being actioned through planning condition.
- The LPA Planning Officer will consider, and where appropriate include, any planning conditions and/or planning obligations[1] and/or other mechanisms. This will be to ensure any outstanding HIA recommendations are actioned as part of the implementation of the planning permission, and in order to make the development proposals acceptable in planning terms.
[1] Planning Conditions must be: i) necessary; ii) relevant to planning; iii) relevant to the development; iv) enforceable; v) precise; vi) reasonable in all other respects. (NPPF, para 56)
Planning Obligations must be a) necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; b) directly related to the development; and c) fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development. (CIL regs, para 122)