Ten per cent of Australians live in homes harmful to their health, according to planning experts, who argue health should be at the forefront of planning laws and regulations.

Long commutes caused by Sydney’s urban sprawl are also affecting people’s health by robbing them of time to exercise, prepare healthy food and engage in social activities.

The health of people living in outer suburbs may be affected by long commutes and traffic congestion. Credit:Janie Barrett

Peter Phibbs, the head of urban and regional planning and policy at the University of Sydney, said houses that were too cold, damp, overcrowded or contained contaminants such as lead and asbestos were detrimental to health.

“I would also add that in Australia’s main cities housing costs are often having an impact where people forgo things like medical and dental visits and sometimes even decent food to make sure they can meet their housing payments,” he said.