01.07.19
Norfolk County Council unveils six-year masterplan
Norfolk County Council has launched it’s new, six-year plan for the region which will aim to boost the local economy, transform education services and protect the environment.
The ‘Together, For Norfolk’ vision includes a £120m investment in new specialist schools and resource bases for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and planned investment in infrastructure, housing and broadband.
The leader of the county council, Andrew Proctor, launched the new plan at the Royal Norfolk Show alongside the Dutch ambassador to the UK.
Proctor said at the launch: “This plan sets out our ambition to offer a better future for everyone in Norfolk by working with organisations, businesses and community groups across our county.”
“We want Norfolk to be a place that stands out with impressive growth, sustainable housing, good connectivity and strong infrastructure.
“There are challenges ahead, not just for the County Council, but for all of us in the public and private sector. More than ever, we need to work better together for the greater good.”
The six-year plan outlines significant planned infrastructure investment across the county, including the £120m Great Yarmouth Third River Crossing, the Norwich Western link and plans to spend £6.1m on sustainable transport schemes.
The authority also said it wants to fully support the government’s 25-year green future plan, and deliver 95% broadband coverage across Norfolk by 2020 which will rise to 99% by 2025.
Other highlights in the new plan include initiatives to reduce loneliness and social isolation, and a £29m investment in the ‘Living Well: Homes for Norfolk’ programme to accelerate extra care housing developments.
Up to 50 new early years places will also be created in Norfolk schools when a new service launches in October focused around supporting families needing extra support for their children.
Simon Smits, H.E. Dutch ambassador to the UK, said at the launch that he was keen to collaborate closely with the Norfolk region to grow export and investment.
He commented: “I very much look forward to continuing to work with Norfolk to build on our longstanding trade relationship and historic friendship as North Sea Neighbours.”
Image credit - skeable