We have an ageing population and this ageing population brings with it a range of social and economic issues that can and should be addressed in part through the planning system. 

Planning colleagues across Worcestershire are working together with Public Health at the Council, to look at how they can address the issues of ageing well through creating healthier and more adaptive, inclusive environments to grow old in.

The aim of this work in partnership with our District Planning colleagues and Public health, is to identify the issues of ageing well and how to address them in relation to the planning system. 

Before we do this, it is first important for us to understand what ageing well embodies and how it can be made more attainable. 

This survey seeks to understand more about you, your views on ageing well and what it means for you and your family. 

Complete the Ageing Well and Planning Survey

The consultation will run from 1 October until 3 November 2024, and the findings from this survey will be used to draft a research paper and to inform future work on land use planning for ageing well.

This research paper reviews good practice and provide a high-level identification of the key issues and options within Worcestershire for mitigating and adapting to a changing climate.

It makes recommendations on how local policy can help to contribute towards the national target of a 60 per cent reduction in CO2 levels by 2050.

• Planning for Climate Change Research Paper (PDF)

Planning for Health in Worcestershire Technical Research Paper

The Strategic Planning section at Worcestershire County Council has been working with in partnership with Adult Services and Health Directorate at the County Council and Worcester City Council.  This work has involved the production of a Technical Research Paper entitled 'Planning for Health in Worcestershire'

The purpose of this paper is to start the process of change in Worcestershire, by providing a summary of the significant issues and challenges surrounding health within the county and considering how these might be tackled jointly through the planning system and Public Health.

• Planning for Health in Worcestershire Technical Research Paper (PDF)

Renewable Energy Research Paper

The Renewable Energy Research Paper sets out the valuable contribution that renewable energy can make to Worcestershire's green economy, and explores the social and environmental benefits of increasing provision. 

It identifies the challenges that can slow the growth of renewables, and explores possible ways of overcoming these whilst ensuring our communities' views are heard.

• Renewable Energy Research Paper (PDF)

Assessment of the capacity for large-scale renewable energy in Worcestershire

This evidence-based resource assessment, completed by consultants, was commissioned in 2008 to determine the potential capacity for larger-scale renewable energy generation in Worcestershire, including potential broad locations. 

Please note that broad locations identified in the study do NOT imply development would be appropriate in these areas; any proposals would have to be thoroughly tested through the planning process.

• Renewable Energy Assessment (PDF)

Soil is a finite resource facing a range of challenges and threats, including the impact of climate change and pressure from development.

This paper raises awareness of the importance of soils and provides technical guidance to inform policy for the management and protection of Worcestershire's soil resource.

• Planning for Soil Research Paper (PDF)

This research paper provides a consistent, strategic approach to the management of water in Worcestershire.

It provides the policy context and evidence, describes the key challenges faced by spatial and water planning, sets out options for how they might be addressed in policy, and sets out monitoring requirements and further work that should be undertaken. The paper can help to inform all forms of plan-making, including community-based plans.

• Planning for Water Research Paper (PDF)