Housing schemes in Norfolk have been highlighted as positive examples of how to tackle obesity through development.

Three Score in Norwich and Beeston Park in Broadland were praised during a series of workshops held by the Town and County Planning Association and Local Government Association, who looked at 14 local authorities across the country using planning to promote wellbeing.

They highlighted the green space for recreation, walking and cycling and the use of Health Impact Assessments during the planning processes.

Dr Louise Smith, director of public health of Norfolk County Council said: 'This was a great opportunity for us to consider the ways that the quality and design of new development housing can impact on the future health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

'By working together we can find ways to promote healthy active lifestyles and contribute to reducing obesity.'

The association has today launched a report using the findings from the workshops, which were held last year, called Building the Foundations: Tackling Obesity Through Planning and Development.

The report recommends that local authorities make it easy for people to walk and cycle in urban areas, make parks accessible and safe, restrict the number of takeaways near schools and ensure houses have adequate dining facilities to encourage cooking.

In 2014, an estimated 62pc of the adult population were overweight or obese, with one in three children overweight or obese by the time they left primary school.

Kate Henderson, chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association said: 'It is fantastic to see local collaboration and commitment between health and planning officers to ensure that the environments we create provide high quality, healthy environments.

'It is vital that local authorities take every opportunity to improve the environments that we design and plan to help tackle the growing obesity epidemic.'

• To read the report, visit http://www.tcpa.org.uk/pages/building-the-foundations-2016.html

• What do you think can be done to tackle obesity? Email our health correspondent on nicholas.carding@archant.co.uk