Local Plan to guide development Until 2040

Date published: 18th December 2025

North Norfolk District Council is pleased to announce the formal adoption of its new Local Plan, marking a significant milestone in shaping the future of development across the district.

Following a comprehensive process of evidence gathering, public consultation, and independent examination, the Local Plan has now been confirmed as sound and legally compliant by the Planning Inspectorate and has been formally adopted. The Plan will guide development decisions in North Norfolk through to 2040, providing a clear framework for housing, employment, infrastructure, and environmental protection.

Cllr Andrew Brown, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Enforcement, said:

“The adoption of the Local Plan is a major achievement for the Council and the communities we serve. It reflects years of collaborative work, public engagement, and rigorous scrutiny. This Plan will ensure that development in North Norfolk is sustainable, well-planned, and responsive to the needs of our residents and environment.

The policies and development sites in the Plan will provide a level of certainty for residents, and, coupled with the Council’s positive supply of housing land, will help to ensure that our communities benefit from a plan-led system, rather than from unpredictable and speculative development.”

The Local Plan sets out:

• Where new housing and employment growth will be focussed, including allocating land for development, and policies including to support the vitality of rural communities.
• Environmental protections to safeguard North Norfolk’s unique landscapes, coastline, biodiversity, embedding climate resilience and environmental sustainability at its core, and positioning North Norfolk as a leader in low-carbon, nature-positive planning.
• Infrastructure priorities, including transport, health, and education, to support growing communities.
• Design and sustainability standards to ensure high-quality development that responds to climate change and local character.

The Plan has been shaped by extensive public input, including multiple rounds of consultation and public hearings. A final round of consultation on proposed Main Modifications to the Plan took place in August and September 2025, with feedback considered by the appointed independent Planning Inspector before issuing a final examination report on the 31st October 2025.

The adopted Local Plan replaces previous planning policies and will now be used to determine planning applications and guide future development proposals.

The adopted North Norfolk Local Plan and supporting documents are available here.