What was the challenge?

The client sought to submit a hybrid planning application for a residential-led, mixed-use development in Wickford Town Centre, a civil parish in Essex. The project would involve the demolition of an existing food store and construction of 133 affordable social housing units and a ground-level supermarket.

The development would address the acute need for affordable housing in the area, contributing to the local community’s long-term sustainability and well-being. Moreover, environmentally conscious building design elements were embedded into the design of the site, infrastructure and food store development; this would, for example, ensure each resident would have access to a private balcony, as well as a shared amenity deck and outdoor space.

To evidence the degree to which the scheme would meet public policy objectives related to public health, they required a health impact assessment to be undertaken.

What was our solution?

Temple carried out mapping and data analysis to establish the baseline parameters for assessing the potential health implications of the development as regards its immediate vicinity as well as surrounding areas.

This involved creating a community profile using demographic data, health and well-being needs, and information on vulnerable groups. A clear baseline position emerged from this work, establishing the area’s existing health and social conditions. From this point, we developed an appropriate strategy for mitigation and enhancement measures across the whole lifecycle of the project, from design to management and monitoring.

The community profile was supplemented by a policy review which assisted in understanding the local authority’s current strategy for development. It was important for us to align the data with local policy priorities to better focus on the community’s specific health needs.

How did we add value?

Temple’s Health Impact Assessment (HIA) ensured a thorough understanding of the development’s potential impacts on local health and well-being. We provided the client with clear recommendations which included:

• Creating an employment strategy in partnership with the new food store to promote employment opportunities for residents. This would maximise the benefits of the development for the community, particularly in the areas of job creation and economic resilience.
• Identified opportunities to improve landscaping and biodiversity, which had not been considered initially in the proposal. Recommendations included using native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species in the landscape planting to support local biodiversity. This would not only enhance the visual appeal of the site but also improve the community’s well-being by creating green spaces that support wildlife, such as birds and insects.