This paper presents current research examining how metropolitan plans create urban environments to nurture healthy and happy citizens. Specifically, we ask: do metropolitan strategies lay an adequate foundation for neighbourhood and local plans to bring about environments for holistic wellbeing? The paper initially engages with the literature that links city form to the current health crisis facing western nations. The disciplines of urban planning and public health, once united in a mission to clean dirty and polluted cities, are re-aligning to address rising rates of obesity and depression. Using documents such as the World Health Organisation’s Healthy Cities Program, Local Agenda 21 and the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, the paper presents criteria for evaluating the success of metropolitan plans in achieving healthy cities. Selected Australian and international plans are examined against the criteria following a content analysis of health related terminology in the documents. The findings of this assessment provide the material for best practice planning related principles to promote good physical and psychological health for urban dwellers. The focus is on strategies which translate into achievable planning policies, actions and design guidelines at both neighbourhood and local levels.