Agenda item

Please note due to the size of the documents, appendices 2,3,5,6 and 7 are not included in the agenda but can be accessed in the Document Library: Home | Library folder - Local Plan 2024 - 2040 Appendices

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to progress the North Norfolk Local Plan 2024-2040 to adoption in order to provide the Council with an up-to-date Local Plan. The Plan has undergone independent examination and found to be sound and legally compliant, with the Inspector concluding that the Plan provides an appropriate basis for the planning of the District provided that a number of Main Modifications are made to it.

The Local Plan contains multiple policies underpinned by the principle of delivering sustainable and climate-resilient development to secure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations. All policies within the Plan contribute towards achieving these aims, including those promoting the sustainable location of new homes, jobs and economic growth; the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment and built environment; improved infrastructure and renewable energy; the provision of green spaces and the creation of balanced, healthy communities.

This report sets out the process followed; summarises the Inspector’s report and main modifications required, provides an overview of the Plan and reviews the options available for the Council. The appendices contain the Inspectors report, Main Modification schedule, the updated Local Plan containing the necessary modifications, the updated policies map (link), Sustainability Appraisal Adoption Statement, (incorporating HRA adoption statement) updated Equalities Impact Assessment, and a presentation providing an overview of the Local Plan.

Options considered

1. Adopt the Local Plan (as modified)
2. Not adopt the Local Plan.

Consultation(s)

The Local Plan production has been informed by direct member engagement through the Planning Policy & Built Heritage Working Party, with key decisions endorsed by Cabinet. Each relevant stage has been subject to public and statutory consultation, and feedback has informed its development.

Recommendations

That Cabinet:

1)    Notes the outcome of the Inspector’s Report into the examination of the North Norfolk Local Plan, dated 31 October 2025 (Appendix 1 & 2);

2)    Recommends that the Council adopts the modified Local Plan which incorporates the Main Modifications as the appropriate basis for the future planning of the whole District (Appendix 3);

3)    Notes that all policies of the North Norfolk Core Strategy 2008 and the Site Allocations; Development Plan Document 2011 (the current Local Plan) will be superseded by the new Local Plan upon adoption. This is subject to the provisions of paragraph 9.3 of this report that: ‘Upon adoption there is a six-week window under section 113 of the Planning  and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 during which an aggrieved party can challenge the decision to adopt a Local Plan on legal and procedural grounds’

4)    Delegates authority to the Assistant Director for Planning to publish the Adoption Statement and accompanying documents, making the North Norfolk Local Plan part of the Adopted Development Plan for North Norfolk;

5)    Delegates authority to the Planning Policy Manager to make any further necessary non-material modifications and any further updates to the Policies Map as required.

Reasons for recommendations

It is a legal requirement to have an up-to-date Local Plan for the Council’s administrative area and to undertake review at least every five years. The updated North Norfolk Local Plan has been guided by a balanced cross-party working party, undergone formal rounds of consultation and independent examination by a Planning Inspector, and has been found “sound” subject to the inclusion of modifications and provides an appropriate basis for the planning of the District. The Plan provides the Council’s Strategic Planning Framework and is required in order to ensure the Council has an up-to-date Local Plan in place from which planning decisions are made.

Background papers

The examination & submissions documents, along with previous stages of consultation, evidence base and supporting documents can be found in the published Local Plan Examination Library

The Local Development Scheme sets out the Council’s programme for preparing and adoption of the Local Plan.

Wards affected

All

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr Andrew Brown

Contact Officer

Iain Withington, Planning Policy Manager iain.withington@north-norfolk.gov.uk