Implementing Health Impact Assessment policy on infrastructure development in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets

ABSTRACT This case study articulates findings from a policy analysis that explored key challenges to the development and adoption of a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Policy within the infrastructure development setting in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Tower Hamlets sought to test whether the mechanisms provided by the planning system were achievable and measurable or whether policy changes were needed to make the implementation of HIA Policy more effective. In 2020, the HIA Policy was adopted in the Tower Hamlets Local Plan to systematically assess the health impact of new infrastructure development. This case study details how in 2018, a policy analysis was undertaken, building on an international literature review, considering evidence from health and development databases and relevant academic texts. Primary research was undertaken, incorporating a knowledge attitude and practice survey underpinned by grounded theory. Despite HIAs being widely encouraged within infrastructure development, there was limited published peer-reviewed literature demonstrating their effectiveness in this setting; however, insights emerged around capacity building, the development process, and community participation. The findings of the analysis initiated a capacity building programme, known as the ‘HIA Implementation Programme’, with recommendations proposed and subsequently accepted by decision makers across Public Health and Planning teams.