Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a means of assessing the health impacts of policies, plans and projects in diverse economic sectors using quantitative, qualitative and participatory techniques.
Health impact assessment is an evidence-based process that aims to predict the positive and negative impacts of a strategy, proposal or development on the health of a population. The HIA process provides an opportunity to promote sustainable communities, by ensuring new strategies and developments are considered in the context of their contribution to the health and well being of the population.
The environment in which people live, work and play has an impact on health and well-being. Through the design of an environment that promotes social interaction, physical activity and absence from environmental hazards it is possible to improve health.
A number of HIA have been undertaken in Devon to assess developments, proposals and strategies, and these are available below.
Cranbrook New Town Health Impact Assessment – Main Report, 2007
Cranbrook New Town Health Impact Assessment – Technical Report, 2007
Sherford New Town Health Impact Assessment – Technical Report, 2007
Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan Equality and Health Impact Assessment 2011
South Devon Link Road Health Impact Assessment 2012