Lambeth Council is seeking public health input to shape its forthcoming Local Plan, a crucial document outlining the borough's development over the next 10-15 years. The plan, which is legally required and must be reviewed every five years, is being updated to reflect significant planning reforms and a new National Planning Policy Framework. The revised national planning policy framework now explicitly requires plans to identify opportunities to promote good health and prevent ill health.

Collage of images depicting community outreach, educational sessions, and public health initiatives.
Collage of images depicting community outreach, educational sessions, and public health initiatives.

The public health team has been actively contributing to the plan, emphasizing opportunities to influence the built environment, which has a profound impact on residents' health and wellbeing. This includes considerations for housing, green spaces, and the placement of gambling premises. The public health team has been providing input into the plan, highlighting opportunities to influence the built environment, which has wide-ranging effects on residents' health and wellbeing.

A mobile health and wellbeing unit,
A mobile health and wellbeing unit, "the health and wellbeing express," operated by Lambeth Together and the NHS, is shown with staff interacting with the public.

During a recent Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, councillors were updated on the Local Plan's development. Ruth Hutt, Director of Public Health, highlighted that the plan presents a significant opportunity for public health to influence the borough's future. The public health team has been providing expertise on areas such as housing, green space, and the location of gambling premises.

Stacked bar chart showing the number of adults in six South East London boroughs categorized by gambling risk level, with Lambeth having the highest number of adults at risk.
Stacked bar chart showing the number of adults in six South East London boroughs categorized by gambling risk level, with Lambeth having the highest number of adults at risk.

A chart illustrating the negative impacts of gambling, showing percentages of individuals who have lied to family, experienced violence, felt isolated, had relationship breakdowns, lost financial value, or committed crimes due to gambling.
A chart illustrating the negative impacts of gambling, showing percentages of individuals who have lied to family, experienced violence, felt isolated, had relationship breakdowns, lost financial value, or committed crimes due to gambling.

The consultation on the Local Plan is currently underway and is expected to run until October 13th. The draft plan is anticipated for consultation in summer 2027, with the final plan expected in summer 2028. Submission to government is scheduled for the end of 2028, with examination in early 2029 and adoption in April 2029. The consultation is focusing on identifying key issues and opportunities and how communities wish to be involved.

The Health and Wellbeing Board has endorsed the Public Health team's continued input into the plan's development. A process has been agreed for the Public Health team to coordinate a draft response, which will be circulated to Board members for comment before being finalised by the Chair for submission by the 13 October deadline. The Board will have further opportunities to discuss the Local Plan as its development progresses.

A man looking thoughtfully into the distance, with residential buildings and autumn foliage in the background.
A man looking thoughtfully into the distance, with residential buildings and autumn foliage in the background.

Two women collaborate on a laptop, discussing public health initiatives.
Two women collaborate on a laptop, discussing public health initiatives.