3.3.1 Across the city there are significant health inequalities which result in people living a poorer quality of life and having reduced life expectancy. In 2016 life expectancy was 13.9 years lower for men and 12.5 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Gloucester than in the least deprived areas. Key Principle 14 of this plan seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of communities through good design that promotes and prioritises active travel and active lifestyles, by providing access to good quality open spaces, playing fields, multi-functional green infrastructure and community facilities.

3.3.2 Most health issues have a strong preventable component that is significantly influenced by the places and spaces in which people live. For example reducing inactivity could prevent up to 40% of many common long term conditions, such as diabetes.

"If being active was a pill we would be rushing to prescribe it. Physical activity is essential for health and reduces the risk of many preventable diseases and conditions from cancer to depression." Public Health England, Everybody Active, Every Day (PHE, 2014).

3.3.3 Local authorities have a statutory duty to improve the health of their residents through the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Directors of Public Health are statutory chief officers tasked with developing and supporting delivery of strategies to address local priorities to improve health and reduce inequalities. The City Council will continue to work closely with Public Health to ensure developments which contribute to the reduction of health inequalities across the city.

3.3.4 The NPPG highlights the importance of developing a healthy community which:

• Supports healthy behaviours
• Supports reductions in health inequalities, and
• Enhances the physical and mental health of the community

3.3.5 The environments in which people live, work and play influence their choices and behaviour. Planning, in being able to shape the urban environment and provide the infrastructure required for a healthy lifestyle, has a significant role to play in the creation of healthier places.

3.3.6 The following policies have been included to ensure new development does not harm human health and takes all available opportunities to provide our residents with healthy active choices.