Health and built environment workshop
Reporting on the health and built environment workshop
Luton is expected to see more development and densification over the coming years, and more high-rise buildings. This is not necessarily a negative for health, but to be supportive of health and health equity, it's crucial that:
- development occurs
- the neighbourhoods that are created provide homes that:
- are good quality
- are affordable
- are energy-efficient
- have secure tenures
Increased population density can coexist with these aims and can aid the development of walkable communities, if designed with care.
As noted above, urban design can also contribute to the retention of harmful pollutants, as well as generating excess heat, and these factors must also be considered.
We had a successful workshop on Health and The Built Environment, that took place on the 12 June 2024, with over 30 professionals in attendance.
The workshop aimed to answer the question of ‘how do we make health equity a visible product in urban regeneration as part of the health equity process?’.
The purpose to understand the intersectionality between the built environment and health in order to tackle health inequalities and improve health equity.
Purpose
To understand the intersectionality between the built environment and health in order to tackle health inequalities and improve health equity.
Objectives
- Bolster your knowledge: increase your understanding of health and the built environment and how it impacts on health inequalities (Healthy Place Framework).
- Build connections: discover and explore areas where health and built environment colleagues can work together.
- Shape policy: influence the refresh of Luton Local Plan.
- Chart a course: develop a plan, in conjunction with built environment colleagues for how we move forward.
The workshop was chaired by corporate director, Gerrard McCleave. We had great presentations from organisations such as:
- Luton Rising
- Milton Keynes Council
- Luton Town Football Club
- The University of Bedfordshire
- Luton Council
The content of the presentations included organisations sharing their understanding on the intersectionality of the built environment and health.
Stand by for the report and actions which will be out shortly.