Just launched: our new strategy and Framework 2.0

We’re excited to launch our new five-year strategy alongside the updated Quality of Life Framework 2.0.

This is a pivotal moment for us, as the government places a strong emphasis on housing development as a driver of economic growth. With the focus on building new homes, we believe it’s critical to ensure that these homes and their surrounding neighbourhoods actively contribute to health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

A crucial milestone for the Foundation

2024 marks our fifth anniversary, and we remain dedicated to improving living environments across the UK. Our new strategy outlines five key outcomes that are essential for creating homes and neighbourhoods that enhance quality of life:

  • An enabling environment for prioritising health and wellbeing
  • Engaged and equitable communities
  • An evidence-based planning system
  • A stewardship plan for long-term social impact in every place
  • Consistent evaluation of health and wellbeing outcomes

These goals are designed to address the pressing challenges in housing and development, offering a clear path to creating healthier, more sustainable communities. 

Over the next five years, we will use these outcomes to measure our success, as well as that of the government. With a commitment to delivering 1.5 million homes, the government has already used the National Planning Policy Framework consultation to explore how the planning system can foster healthier places. 

Now is the time to ensure that new developments genuinely benefit residents’ health and wellbeing.

Introducing the Quality of Life Framework 2.0

Alongside our strategy, we’ve released the updated Quality of Life Framework 2.0. This flagship publication draws on the latest evidence to show why and how we can create homes and neighbourhoods that support long-term health and wellbeing.

The Framework is organised around six key themes, which we believe are essential to neighbourhoods that enhance quality of life and reduce health inequalities:

  • A sense of control – Empowering residents to participate in the development and management of their communities.
  • Health equity – Ensuring housing and neighbourhood design actively promote physical and mental health for all.
  • Connection to nature – Integrating green and blue spaces to enhance environmental and personal wellbeing.
  • A sense of wonder – Creating inspiring environments that foster joy and community pride.
  • Getting around with ease – Supporting active lifestyles through accessible and safe transport options.
  • Connected communities – Encouraging social connections and a sense of community through thoughtful urban design.

We have refined these themes based on the most recent research on the relationship between our living environments and health outcomes. 

The Framework serves as a useful resource for evaluating both planned and existing neighbourhoods, as well as for engaging communities in development projects. As the government moves forward with its plans for New Towns, we believe this resource will be incredibly valuable.

The release of Version 2.0 has already been welcomed by industry professionals. 

Shaun Andrews, director at place consultancy Prior + Partners, said: “The Quality of Life Framework 2.0 is a valuable guide for shaping and creating places. At Prior + Partners, we believe that well-designed, thoughtful environments that deliver on the needs of the community are key to enhancing quality of life.

“We value the Framework’s holistic approach to creating health in neighbourhoods, highlighting, for example, the importance of health equity, connection to nature, and community engagement. It leads the way for all of us in the industry to work together to ensure places support the wellbeing of the communities that use them now and in the future.”

A call to action for the government

We’re urging the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to seize the opportunity that increased housing development provides. With housing at the heart of the government’s growth strategy, there is a unique chance to implement policies that prioritise health and wellbeing in housing and development. 

By understanding and adopting the themes in our Quality of Life Framework, and aligning with our new strategy, the government can ensure that new developments contribute positively to residents’ quality of life.

Matthew Morgan, our co-founder and director, stated: “Our new strategy and the updated Quality of Life Framework 2.0 arrive at a critical juncture. We have a real opportunity to reshape the future of housing and development in the UK, ensuring our homes and neighbourhoods become the solid foundation for healthy, happy lives.

“We call on the government to recognise the importance of prioritising health and wellbeing in their policies—the evidence we present in the Framework makes it clear why they must. We look forward to collaborating with industry colleagues to implement best practices that support people’s quality of life. This work has never been more vital.”