Barriers and opportunities for integrating public health in greenspace planning policy in England

Abstract Background Greenspaces-such as parks, woodlands, fields, allotments, green walls-are increasingly recognised for supporting health and wellbeing. Evidence suggests that living in a greener environment is important for improving and protecting health and wellbeing. To improve equitable access, collaboration between public health and planning is essential. This study explored barriers and opportunities for integrating public health and reducing inequalities through greenspace planning policy through focus group discussions with public health professionals and planning officers in England. Methods Focus groups were held with participants from local authority public health and planning departments across eight English regions. Recruitment was via existing networks and OHID regional leads. Discussions followed a topic guide based on the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework. Sessions lasted 45 minutes, were conducted online, recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Ethical approval was granted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (ref: 35706). Results Eight focus groups (4-6 participants each) were held in Sept-Oct 2024. Overall, there was varied knowledge and progress in developing a greenspace strategy and integrating public health. A key barrier was the lack of formalised collaboration between planning and public health colleagues. Physical health benefits from greenspace are increasingly included in planning policy but it is unclear if this translates to action. Capacity, resources, and differing language, processes, and priorities between sectors hinder alignment between planning and public health departments. Conclusions Knowledge gaps, organisational structures, and limited capacity are key barriers to integrating public health into greenspace planning. Local authorities can better address health needs through greenspace policy, while national government should prioritise greenspace in planning to reduce health inequalities. Key messages • Knowledge gaps, structures, and limited capacity hinder effective integration of public health into greenspace planning. • Integrating public health in greenspace planning is a key mechanism to improving wellbeing and tackling health inequalities.