In response to the country's obesity epidemic, NHS England will be launching a programme which will cater to ten communities in England, and ultimately result in the development of "healthy towns".
In an effort to promote healthy living, the ten areas will be used as templates to develop ideas to reduce obesity - an issue which experts in the field insist needs immediate attention.
In addition to introducing fast food-free zones, designers will also develop more green spaces which will not only promote exercise but also assist those suffering from dementia.
The programme, which according to clinicians, designers and tech experts allows the public to "re-imagine" the ways in which we can promote and experience healthy lifestyles, will be provided to more than 76,000 homes across England.
Commenting on the significance of the plan, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens asserts: "As these new neighbourhoods and towns are built, we'll kick ourselves if in ten years time we look back having missed the opportunity to 'design out' the obesogenic environment, and 'design in' health and wellbeing."
Due to speak at the King's Fund later today, he continued: "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."
It is understood that the chosen areas include Whitehill and Bordon in Hampshire, Cranbrook in Devon, a new development in Darlington, and Barking Riverside in London as well as Halton Lee in Runcorn, Cheshire, Whyndyke Farm in Fylde, Lancashire, and a new community in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
