The UK government has endorsed new guidance aimed at promoting healthier living through changes to road design and transport use in new housing developments. Released this month by Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, and supported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the guidance proposes a series of measures designed to reduce reliance on private cars and encourage active travel modes such as walking and cycling.
Key recommendations in the “Building for a Healthy Life” guidance include implementing 20mph speed limits, encouraging car sharing schemes, and designing narrower roads with tighter corners—keeping them below three metres wide—to limit car dominance. Developers are also urged to reconsider schemes where cycle parking is located further from front doors than car parking, as this runs counter to promoting active travel. The guidance further discourages car-dependent school runs, advocating for safer, more accessible walking, bus, and bike routes in neighbourhood planning.
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, England’s deputy chief medical officer, highlighted the health benefits underpinning the initiative. She noted that designing neighbourhoods and public spaces with health and wellbeing in mind can have a significant impact on long-term health outcomes. The guidance aims to embed active travel options into daily life by offering planners a toolkit to support walking, wheeling, and cycling as accessible choices for all residents.
However, the proposals have met criticism from some groups representing motorists. Hugh Bladon of the Alliance of British Drivers described the guidance as a “latest war on motorists,” arguing that efforts to make car use more difficult through measures favoring cycling and walking are impractical for many people.
Meanwhile, local authorities are beginning to adopt related measures. Birmingham city council announced plans to become England’s first city-wide 20mph zone, aiming to prioritise people over cars in residential neighbourhoods and local centres. The council stated that this shift would transform street life, reducing the dominance of vehicles.
A spokesperson for Homes England affirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting well-designed homes and communities that foster active, healthy, and safe living environments. The DHSC has not provided an official comment on the guidance.
The new approach reflects a broader government push to integrate health considerations into urban planning while addressing housing needs by optimising land use and promoting sustainable travel options. However, the debate over balancing car dependency with active travel priorities remains ongoing among policymakers and the public.