Linking environmental and human health in English urban development decision-making: the human health literacy of environmental policy

Burnett, A. and Pain, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1451-9252 (2023) Linking environmental and human health in English urban development decision-making: the human health literacy of environmental policy. Built Environment, 49 (2). pp. 187-206. ISSN 0263-7960

Abstract/Summary

In this paper we provide an overview of the UK environmental regulatory framework for subnational policy and planning in devolved English urban areas based on a systematic coding of key legislation and policies against a matrix of sustainability attributes relevant for human health. Our findings suggest that while various elements of sustainability at diff erent scales are addressed to differing degrees, we need to move beyond the ‘three-legged stool’ of sustainability to assess linked environmental and societal health impacts. Assessing policy using a multifaceted lens of sustainability such as the one we propose can help to uncover health-development dependencies and the incentives and governance required to enhance these at diff erent scales (planetary, regional, neighbourhood and building). We propose a coordinative role for spatial planning to integrate responses to socio-environmental health priorities for sustainable development and make recommendations for dynamic decision-making on environmental and human health impacts in urban development settings. Doing so can help promote just (equitable) transitions, decoupled from a pervasive ecological modernization discourse that frames the political economy of planning at both the national and local levels.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-pure-test.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/111970
Official URL	https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/alex/ben...
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Real Estate and Planning Central Services
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