Policy design and implementation of health impact assessment in English planning
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19220428 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kristina Sutton (0009-0007-3242-4149, Leeds Beckett University), Bertug Ozarisoy (0009-0001-5977-6140, United Arab Emirates University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-33 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-21 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Urban Affairs (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0735-2166 • E-ISSN: 1467-9906 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/07352166.2026.2652370 |
| OpenAlex | W7155093023 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 29 |
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is increasingly promoted in English planning, but evidence on how local HIA policies work in practice remains limited. This study examines how recently adopted HIA approaches are designed, integrated, and implemented in local planning in England. Using an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, it combines document analysis of 20 adopted policy approaches with semi-structured interviews across three case-study authorities. The study findings show substantial variation in policy clarity, triggers, guidance, and monitoring. HIA implementation was strongest where planning and public health worked collaboratively, practical tool kits and validation materials clarified expectations, and dedicated capacity supported review and follow-through. To this extend, flexible or weakly specified policies created uncertainty and reduced HIA’s influence on development outcomes. The study argues that workable HIA frameworks depend less on policy presence alone than on clear triggers, proportionate guidance, engagement, and monitoring arrangements. It offers transferable lessons for authorities seeking to strengthen health integration in planning.
Health impact assessment · Impact assessment · Impact evaluation · Public policy · Coastal and Marine Management · Environmental and Social Impact Assessments · Social Issues and Policies · Health Policy
Health impact assessment
Consideration of urban green space in impact assessments for health
Health Impact Assessment for Urban and Land-use Planning and Policy Development
Public health spatial planning in practice. Understanding the local spatial planning for health system in England through a narrative synthesis of systems approaches
Health impact assessment in two planning projects in England
Understanding how to create healthier places
Document analysis in health policy research
Urban planning as an enabler of urban health
Health-integrated planning at the local level in England
Integration of health into urban spatial planning through impact assessment
Health impact assessment in planning
Health impact assessment in spatial planning in England –types of application and quality of documentation
Using health impact assessment in community development to improve air quality and public health
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |