IPH have responded to the draft Department of Environment (DoE) consultation on Planning Policy Statement 21 (PPS 21). In responding, IPH identify a number of potential health impacts including providing employment oppportunities through farm diversification. Other issues include access to open space and housing located close to traditional focal points.

Key points 
IPH welcomes the Planning Policy Statement 21 Sustainable Development in the Countryside (PPS21) and the opportunity to comment on the publication. IPH applies a holistic model of health which emphasises the importance to health with a wide range of social determinants, including economic, environmental, social and biological factors. In particular: 
• IPH welcomes the approach DoE has taken to promote sustainable development in the countryside. It is essential this is managed to ensure there is no adverse impact on health. 
• IPH believes sustainable development in the countryside has the potential to impact positively on health by: 
    - creating employment opportunities for the agricultural sector  
    - ensuring housing developments maximize opportunities to enhance community and social cohesion, and 
    - protecting open space 
• IPH calls for a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to be routinely adopted for all new developments in the countryside.