A qualitative study exploring how local politicians influence healthy local planning policies

The built and green environment influences population health and wellbeing. Urban development is complex, with many stakeholders and issues influencing decision-making. An important element is planning policy which informs planning applications for new urban development. This study explores how local politicians influenced the creation of local planning policies in an urban local planning authority in England. Observations were conducted of 18 closed meetings with a group of local politicians, and local government officers. Field notes were collected and later analysed using deductive and inductive coding, with thematic analysis. The study identifies that while local politicians can have high ambitions for healthy urban development, health impacts are rarely explicitly considered, and policy compromises are likely due to national government house building targets, resulting in discussions being dominated by housing numbers and locations. Public opinion and financial viability also influence policy development. There may be trade-offs between quantity- and quality-related local housing policies. The group was a safe space for local politicians to have challenging conversations. This helped to turn emotive issues into governance decisions and build cross-party support for policies. Understanding the influence of local politicians, and the limitations on their influence, can help to inform interventions for healthier urban development.