A pioneering new role has been launched in Kent to embed health and wellbeing at the heart of planning and development. The Planning for Health role, jointly developed by Kent County Council’s (KCC) Public Health Team, Strategic Planning, and Active Kent & Medway, marks a significant step forward in creating healthier, more active environments for communities across the county.
The position will be hosted within KCC’s Strategic Planning and Infrastructure team, but will work across all three partner organisations to ensure that health considerations are central to how places are designed and built. The role will focus on influencing planning policy, supporting local authorities, and embedding healthy placemaking principles into the Kent Design Guide and local design codes.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to tackling health inequalities and promoting physical activity through the built environment. It builds on joint work already underway, including presentations at planning forums, national workshops, and the development of best practice case studies recognised by Sport England and the Active Partnerships Network.
Claire Pamberi, Strategic & Planning Infrastructure Manager at KCC, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Tammy Foster as our new Planning for Health Officer. This role is a real milestone in how we think about planning and health. By embedding health outcomes into planning policy and practice, we can shape places that support people to live healthier, more active lives. It’s a brilliant example of what can be achieved when teams across public health, planning and sport come together with a shared vision.”
Sophie Ward, Strategic Lead for Partnerships and Community at Active Kent & Medway, added:
“We’re proud to be part of this collaboration. Tammy will help ensure that new developments are designed with health in mind—from walkable neighbourhoods to access to green space. It’s about making the healthy choice the easy choice for everyone in Kent.”
Paul Clarke, Public Health Specialist, added:
“Embedding health into planning is essential if we want to create environments that support long-term wellbeing. Tammy’s role is a vital step in ensuring that health is not an afterthought but a core consideration in how we shape our communities.”
The role is already attracting attention from stakeholders across the region and is seen as a model for cross-sector working. The Planning for Health Officer will play a vital part in delivering on the ambitions of the Kent Design Guide and the wider Healthy Placemaking agenda. If you’d like to discuss this new role or get in touch with the team, please email activekent@kent.gov.uk
