Every home in the Netherlands should look out on a tree, and children should be easily able to reach a play area, public health institute RIVM said on Thursday in new guidelines for local authorities.

The aim of the recommendations is to help councils create healthier living environments and to make better use of scarce public space, the institute said.

“Local authorities want to design public space as well as possible, but often don’t know where to start,” Hanneke Lakenvelt, an adviser at the institute and lead author of the report told broadcaster NOS. “They asked us for concrete figures.”

The guidelines focus on three themes: space for physical activity, greenery and opportunities for people to meet. Only one in six homes currently meets the new standards, Lakenvelt said, meaning there is “a lot to gain” in most neighbourhoods.

The recommendations suggest at least 25% of public space in a neighbourhood should be primarily intended for walking, cycling, playing and sport, and that children up to the age of 12 should have a play area within 200 metres of their home.

Homes should also ideally have everyday facilities such as a supermarket, GP surgery and primary school within 800 metres – although the researchers say this is not an option in rural areas.

Green space also plays a central role. Every home should have a view of trees or shrubs, which the RIVM said has a calming effect and provides shade and cooling.

Large parks should be within five kilometres and smaller green spaces within 300 metres. Maintenance too is important because people tend to bypass green areas which have been neglected or are strewn with rubbish, the researchers said.

The guidelines also address social contact. Wider pavements make it easier for people to stop and chat without blocking others, while benches should be placed every 125 metres to help older people and those who struggle to walk longer distances.