HUDU Planning for Health
Rapid Health Impact Assessment Matrix
Self-completion Form
May 2017
April 2017
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 2
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Housing quality and design .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
2 Access to healthcare services and other social infrastructure ........................................................................................................................ 5
3 Access to open space and nature .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4 Air quality, noise and neighbourhood amenity ............................................................................................................................................... 8
5 Accessibility and active travel .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
6 Crime reduction and community safety ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
7 Access to healthy food ................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
8 Access to work and training ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
9 Social cohesion and lifetime neighbourhoods ............................................................................................................................................... 14
10 Minimising the use of resources .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
11 Climate change ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
http://www.healthyurbandevelopment.nhs.uk
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HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 3
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
HUDU Planning for Health
Rapid Health Impact Assessment Matrix Self-completion Form
Introduction
The assessment matrix is designed to rapidly assess the likely health impacts of development plans and proposals, including planning frameworks and
masterplans for large areas, regeneration and estate renewal programmes and outline and detailed planning applications. It should be used prospectively at
the earliest possible stage during plan preparation, or prior to the submission of a planning application to inform the design, layout and composition of a
development proposal.
The matrix does not identify all issues related to health and wellbeing, but focuses on the built environment and issues directly or indirectly influenced by
planning decisions. It is generic and should be localised for specific use. Not all the issues or assessment criteria may be relevant and the user is encouraged
to prioritise specific actions which focus on key impacts.
The assessment matrix identifies eleven topics or broad determinants. Under each topic, Section 2 of the tool identifies examples of planning issues which
are likely to influence health and wellbeing and the section also provides supporting information and references.
Health impacts may be short-term or temporary, related to construction or longer-term, related to the operation and maintenance of a development and
may particularly affect vulnerable or priority groups of the population. Where an impact is identified, actions should be recommended to mitigate a
negative impact or enhance or secure a positive impact.
Name of assessor / organisation:
Name of project (plan or proposal):
Planning reference (if applicable):
Location of project:
Date of assessment:
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 4
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
1 Housing quality and design
Assessment criteria
Details/evidence
Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal seek to meet
all 16 design criteria of the
Lifetime Homes Standard or
meet Building Regulation
requirement M4 (2)?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal address the
housing needs of older people,
ie extra care housing, sheltered
housing, lifetime homes and
wheelchair accessible homes?
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal include
homes that can be adapted to
support independent living for
older and disabled people?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal promote
good design through layout and
orientation, meeting internal
space standards?
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal include a
range of housing types and
sizes, including affordable
housing responding to local
housing needs?
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal contain
homes that are highly energy
efficient (eg a high SAP rating)?
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 5
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
2 Access to healthcare services and other social infrastructure
Assessment criteria Relevant? Details/evidence Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal retain or
re-provide existing social
infrastructure?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal assess
the impact on healthcare
services?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal include
the provision, or replacement
of a healthcare facility and
does the facility meet NHS
requirements?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal assess
the capacity, location and
accessibility of other social
infrastructure, eg schools,
social care and community
facilities?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal explore
opportunities for shared
community use and co-
location of services?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 6
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
Assessment criteria
Relevant?
Details/evidence
Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal contribute
to meeting primary,
secondary and post 19
education needs?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 7
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
3 Access to open space and nature
Assessment criteria Relevant? Details/evidence Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal retain and
enhance existing open and
natural spaces?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
In areas of deficiency, does
the proposal provide new
open or natural space, or
improve access to existing
spaces?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal provide a
range of play spaces for
children and young people?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal provide
links between open and
natural spaces and the
public realm?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Are the open and natural
spaces welcoming and safe
and accessible for all?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal set out
how new open space will be
managed and maintained?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 8
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
4 Air quality, noise and neighbourhood amenity
Assessment criteria Relevant? Details/evidence Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal minimise
construction impacts such as
dust, noise, vibration and
odours?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal minimise
air pollution caused by traffic
and energy facilities?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal minimise
noise pollution caused by
traffic and commercial uses?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 9
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
5 Accessibility and active travel
Assessment criteria
Relevant? Details/evidence Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal prioritise
and encourage walking
(such as through shared
spaces?)
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal prioritise
and encourage cycling (for
example by providing secure
cycle parking, showers and
cycle lanes)?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal connect
public realm and internal
routes to local and strategic
cycle and walking networks?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal include
traffic management and
calming measures to help
reduce and minimise road
injuries?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Is the proposal well
connected to public
transport, local services and
facilities?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 10
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
Assessment criteria
Relevant?
Details/evidence
Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal seek to
reduce car use by reducing
car parking provision,
supported by the controlled
parking zones, car clubs and
travel plans measures?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal allow
people with mobility
problems or a disability to
access buildings and
places?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 11
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
6 Crime reduction and community safety
Assessment criteria Relevant? Details/evidence Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal
incorporate elements to help
design out crime?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal
incorporate design
techniques to help people
feel secure and avoid
creating ‘gated
communities’?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal include
attractive, multi-use public
spaces and buildings?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Has engagement and
consultation been carried out
with the local community?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 12
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
7 Access to healthy food
Assessment criteria Relevant? Details/evidence Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal facilitate
the supply of local food, ie
allotments, community farms
and farmers’ markets?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Is there a range of retail
uses, including food stores
and smaller affordable shops
for social enterprises?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal avoid
contributing towards an over-
concentration of hot food
takeaways in the local area?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 13
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
8 Access to work and training
Assessment criteria Relevant? Details/evidence Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal provide
access to local employment
and training opportunities,
including temporary
construction and permanent
‘end-use’ jobs?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal provide
childcare facilities?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal include
managed and affordable
workspace for local
businesses?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal include
opportunities for work for
local people via local
procurement arrangements?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 14
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
9 Social cohesion and lifetime neighbourhoods
Assessment criteria Relevant? Details/evidence Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal connect
with existing communities, ie
layout and movement which
avoids physical barriers and
severance and land uses
and spaces which
encourage social
interaction?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal include a
mix of uses and a range of
community facilities?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal provide
opportunities for the
voluntary and community
sectors?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal address
the six key components of
Lifetime Neighbourhoods?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 15
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
10 Minimising the use of resources
Assessment criteria
Relevant?
Details/evidence
Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal make
best use of existing land?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal
encourage recycling
(including building
materials)?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal
incorporate sustainable
design and construction
techniques?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
HUDU Rapid Health Impact Assessment Tool 16
NHS London Healthy Urban Development Unit
11 Climate change
Assessment criteria
Relevant?
Details/evidence
Potential health
impact?
Recommended mitigation or
enhancement actions
Does the proposal
incorporate renewable
energy?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal ensure
that buildings and public
spaces are designed to
respond to winter and
summer temperatures, ie
ventilation, shading and
landscaping.
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal maintain
or enhance biodiversity?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain
Does the proposal
incorporate sustainable
urban drainage techniques?
Yes
No
N/A
Positive
Negative
Neutral
Uncertain