NHS England announces support for ten healthy new towns

Ten NHS-supported healthy new towns are to be created across the country as part of a new NHS England initiative.

The scheme will see more than 76,000 new homes created with potential capacity for approximately 170,000 residents, with the aim of helping the NHS test creative solutions for key health and care challenges.

Developments are being planned for Whitehill and Bordon in Hampshire; Cranbrook in Devon; Whyndyke Farm in Fylde, Lancashire; Halton Lea, Runcorn; Bicester, Oxon; Northstowe, Cambridgeshire; Ebbsfleet Garden City, Kent; and Barton Park in Oxford. Darlington and Barking Riverside will also be involved in the programme.

Options to be tested include fast food-free zones near schools, creating safe and appealing green spaces, building dementia-friendly streets and ensuring people can access GP services using digital technology.

It is hoped that this will help to tackle key problems and health concerns related to obesity, dementia and community cohesion.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: "The much-needed push to kick-start affordable housing across England creates a golden opportunity for the NHS to help promote health and keep people independent."