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Strategic planning for healthcare
The latest National Planning Policy Framework published in December 2024, and setting out the new Labour government’s planning agenda for England, mentioned the words ‘health’ or ‘healthier’ no fewer than 39 times. In line with wider ambitions to renew the country’s ageing healthcare estate, the Framework now explicitly recognises the need for collaboration and strategic policy-making in planning for infrastructure investment; including strategic health infrastructure such as hospitals and neighbourhood health facilities.
However, based upon research undertaken by Lichfields, up-to-date development plans are currently patchy, or even lacking entirely, in policies relating to either healthcare generally or the renewal of healthcare estates.
This Insight Focus looks in more depth at opportunities to streamline the healthcare development process through better integration between health infrastructure investment strategies and local planning frameworks.
Image credit: Leeds Adult and Children's Hospitals, Perkins and Will
