Strategic Obesity Project for Cheshire & Merseyside: New toolkit on food policy for planners in development

As part of the Planning for Healthier Environments workstream within the Strategic Obesity Project for Cheshire & Merseyside, HEG is leading the development of a new food policy toolkit designed to support planners in creating healthier food environments across the sub-region. This collaborative effort brings together public health and planning officers from local authorities, along with food policy and planning experts from Sustain, to create a toolkit tailored specifically for Cheshire & Merseyside.

There is growing recognition that the planning process plays a vital role in shaping healthier communities. Access to healthy food is not just a public health issue – it is a social justice issue. A strong food environment connects growers, producers, and consumers, while planning policies can help to limit the availability of unhealthy food options and improve access to healthier, sustainable, and affordable choices. The development of this locally-owned toolkit aims to provide practical guidance for local authorities to embed effective policies into their planning frameworks, ultimately promoting healthier and more equitable communities.

The project began on 16th July with an online discovery workshop, bringing together public health and planning officers from across Cheshire & Merseyside. Since then, a core working group has been meeting monthly to co-develop the content for the toolkit. This process includes identifying and cross-referencing examples of good practice from within the region, as well as gathering case studies and evidence from both local and national sources. By showcasing successful initiatives and building a sub-regional, joined-up approach, the toolkit will offer a comprehensive resource for local planners to facilitate healthier food environments.

A first draft of the toolkit will be shared in early November, allowing for feedback and discussion on how it can be best applied at the local level. The final version is expected to be completed by December, ahead of a National Planning Policy Framework workshop to be held in early 2025 as part of the wider workstream. This toolkit represents a key step in helping local authorities take action on food environments, reduce health inequalities, and promote sustainable, healthier lifestyles across Cheshire & Merseyside.