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Research has shown that direct access to green and blue spaces provides positive mental health benefits, particularly for those that live in more deprived areas. Those who have easier access to green spaces were found to have 20% less chance to develop depression or anxiety.
As part of our ongoing place-based engagement across Kent, EK360 spoke to 63 residents in March who live in Dartford. The most frequently mentioned topic was the impact of the surrounding environment. 76% of residents that mentioned the environment recognised the positive impacts of green spaces near them, such as Stone Recreation Ground and Dartford Central Park.
“I love the green spaces, it is so good for my mental health and well-being and getting in some exercise”
“There's a community vibe and the park has lots to do. There are things over the summer in the park for residents, and the gym in the park is useful.”
Locally, Dartford Borough Council offer a range of Health walks for all ages and abilities led by trained Health Leaders to promote mental wellbeing. These walks take place in different green spaces across the borough.
In contrast to the positive impact of green spaces, 2 in 3 people made negative comments about the town centre.
“Dartford centre is not clean, and the shop fronts are not clean. Makes them look shabby”
“It's too built up here now and there's a noticeable change in the air quality…back here it looks filthy. There is rubbish and fly-tipping near my house. There are broken pavements, weeds and potholes. We need better infrastructure”
We have heard similar concerns over the upkeep of the local area from residents in Strood. Dartford residents noted areas where improvements had been made to the town centre, showing that change can and is happening in the borough.
Another top theme raised by Dartford residents was the influx of new housing developments in the area, with 24% of the residents we spoke to mentioning new developments.
Residents shared their concerns about the lack of infrastructure accompanying these new builds. They also raised concerns about the reduction in green spaces in the area, despite its recognised benefits for mental health and wellbeing.
“There are too many houses and developments. Every spare space has been taken. The green spaces are going.”
“There are more houses and that going to continue. I understand the need, but I've not seen the infrastructure to go with it. There's not enough infrastructure for all the new houses. I go to A&E with the kids a lot and there's already a long wait. Last time it was an 8 hour wait.”
Those that mentioned housing developments in their feedback on living in Dartford leaned older than the overall sample size. 86% of those that mentioned housing were over the age of 55, compared to the overall sample of 64%. This group also mentioned having issues accessing healthcare due to the new housing developments.
Older people access hospital services at a greater rate than those under the age of 65. Those over the age of 65 account for 40% of all admissions to hospital and 60% of hospital bed days. In Dartford, those over the age of 65 make up 13.8% of the population.
As more frequent users of the hospital, older members of the community may be more sensitive to increased demands on the health infrastructure that concentrated housebuilding can create.
Between 2011 and 2021 the population in Dartford increased by 20%, the second highest increase in England. This was recognised in Dartford Borough Council’s 2024 Local plan. One of the objectives of the plan is ‘Protecting Green Belt land to maintain a distinct and enduring open environment for the Borough’, which could also have the potential to improve residents mental wellbeing by ensuring ease of access to green spaces.
Bias and Limitations
Residents we spoke to were those who were available and willing to speak to us at the time and location of each engagement event. Therefore, the sample is not representative of the Dartford population. These findings should be interpreted as indicative trends rather than conclusive evidence.
