To receive apologies for absence and subsequently the Chair to welcome

those present to the meeting and request introductions.

1.1      Chair’s Opening Remarks

Councillor Whitelock-Gibbs welcomed everyone to the meeting.  Following introductions, she advised that the focus of the meeting was on a workshop to focus on the development on priorities around the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2016-2020 and the Spatial Planning and Health - Refreshing the Local Plan for Tower Hamlets. 

1.2      Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence was received from Mayor John Biggs (Chair), Dr Sam Everington (NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group), Luke Addams (Director of Adults Services), Debbie Jones (Director of Childrens’ Services), Dr Navina Evans (Deputy Chief Executive of East London and Foundation Trust)  and Steve Stride (Chief Executive, Poplar HARCA).

1.3     Public Questions

The Board noted that no questions had been received from members of the public.

To note any declarations of interest made by members of the Board. (See attached note of Monitoring Officer).

There were no declarations of disclosable pencuniary interests.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th November 2015 be agreed as a correct record subject to the inclusion of Councillor Edgar and Dr Amjad Rahi on the list of those present.

To note any actions by the Director of Public Health Under Delegated

Authority since the last meeting of the Board on 17 November 2015.

None.

To consider and comment on the Forward Programme.

Lead Officer:  Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health

The Board noted the Forward Plan, having heard that as part of the next meeting in March 2016 there would be a reflection on the workshop on the development on priorities around the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.  It was envisaged that there would e the need to extend the meeting for 30minutes or one hour to complete the business on the agenda.

Facilitated workshop exploring the vision of the Strategy and areas of focus for the next 4 years (Paper attached)

Lead Officer:  Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health

The Health and Wellbeing Board split into five groups for the workshop which started at 6.30pm.

Lead Officers:

Tim Madelin, Senior Public Health Strategist

Adele Maher, Strategic Planning Manager

The report was presented by Ellie Kuper Thomas (Strategic Planning, LBTH)

and Tim Madeline (Public Health, LBTH).

The report summarised the new Local Plan which set out a vision, strategic

priorities and a planning policy framework to guide and manage development

in the Borough for the next 10 to 15 years, in line with the planning policy

requirements set out by national and regional government.

The Board noted that it was important for the Borough to have an up to date

plan in place with a clear vision, objectives and planning policies to guide

development decisions. Together with the London Plan, the Local Plan was a

critical tool for a planning authority to plan proactively and positively for

development by focusing on the community needs and opportunities in

relation to places, housing, economy, infrastructure, local services and other

areas. It also sought to safeguard the environment, adapt to climate change

and enhance the natural and historic environment.

Officers highlighted the Key Issues for the new local plan.  It was noted that the current Local Plan had strengthening Health and Wellbeing as a key strategic cross cutting objective. Officers considered that this should be retained and reiterated in the new plan. Specific issues for consideration in the new Local Plan in relation to health and wellbeing were noted as follows:

·         Open and Green Space:

·         High Streets which promote wellbeing

·         Healthcare Infrastructure

·         Housing Design

·         Active travel and air quality

It was necessary to consider strategic planning solutions such as higher buildings to ensure the efficient use of space, enhancing transport links and bring routes together, ensuring appropriate level of use of premises by limiting numbers of particular premises on the high street, providing new health facilities to improve the health and wellbeing of residents, improving air quality by encouraging car free housing, cycling and walking over car use. 

The Board received an outline of the strategic planning policy in addition with the national plan and how the environment was shaped in the Borough.  The policy was to reflect residential partnerships.  Evidence was required to prove local need as it would be robustly challenged. The Board heard that officers would generally consult until April 2016, engaging with stakeholders such as the CCG and external public partnerships. The consultation exercise also asked for omissions identified. Early engagement would be beneficial and the the development of the health and wellbeing strategy would be included.

Members asked a number of questions and made various comments in relation to the report.  The following points were noted:

·         That although secondary schools had a good amount of open spaces and playing fields, primary schools lacked such spaces.

·         That with respect to new spaces, there was a disparity of views between of users and design architects. This was due to the differences in the needs of users e.g young residents would have different uses of space from families.  There was therefore the need to have a balance of different types of accommodation and the most appropriate use of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.2

To consider any other business the Chair considers to be urgent.

None.

To note the next Health and Wellbeing Board scheduled to be held on

Tuesday,15 March 2016 at 5.00pm.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to take place at 5.00pm on 15 March 2016.