West Lothian Council has picked up an accolade at the Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning 2017.

The local authority has been recognised as being one of the few Scottish councils to have prepared and implemented Planning Guidance on Health Impact Assessments (HIA) for major development proposals.

As well as being recognised for its work in assessing and maximising the health benefits that can be gained from new development, the council has also agreed an ongoing partnership with NHS Lothian to provide public health advice on the HIAs and assessment of the HIA reports that are submitted to the council by developers.

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West Lothian Council's Head of Planning, Economic Development and Regeneration, Craig McCorriston, said: "We are delighted to have been recognized nationally for our partnership working on assessing health impacts.

"How places are designed and how they evolve and are maintained is increasingly recognised as being vital to the health and well-being of those who live and work there. In short, where we live and where we spend our time has an important influence on our health and wellbeing.

"Preparation of health impact assessment allows for all parties to come together to promote communities which can nurture good health and address health inequalities from an early stage in proposed developments."

(LM/MH)