North Norfolk District Council has announced that it has formally submitted its Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for examination, whilst also hoping to retain control over local development.
An independent inspector, appointed by the Planning Inspectorate, will review the plan and the evidence that supports it before then identifying matters to be considered. Once this has happened, the council, and other interested parties, will be able to provide written responses, as well as attend a series of hearings.
The new North Norfolk Local Plan includes district planning policies, with these establishing how the land will be used. Not only will this provide more certainty surrounding where developments might be allocated, it will also help to make sure that suitable and sustainable development can take place where it is required. New homes, jobs and infrastructure are also outlined in the plan, with these meeting the needs of the area an playing a crucial role in the protection and enhancement of the natural environment. It also addresses issues such as a growing and ageing population, providing affordable housing, improving the design of development, and the management of the potential impacts of climate change.
Planning and Enforcement Portfolio Holder, Councillor Andrew Brown, said:
“The appointment of an independent inspector is the next stage in the process towards adopting the plan.
“The decision to proceed at a time when many local authorities across the country have paused their plan-making process to await new government measures in the pipeline, demonstrates serious commitment to ensure our planning policies continue to be in line with national planning policy.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with the appointed inspector for the benefit of all residents across the district.”
One key aspect of the local plan is that the council marks it as a “significant milestone towards ensuring that the council retains control over where and how development takes place.” Alongside this, the people and businesses of North Norfolk will be able to reap the benefits of updated development plan policies and increased standards in what should be met through sustainable development.
As part of the plan, the council has outlined a ‘Vision for North Norfolk’ this outlines that “in 2036, residents and visitors will enjoy a high quality of life. The district will have retained its distinct identity as a unique and attractive coastal and rural tourist destination and will have a diverse and thriving economy, with vibrant and appealing towns and villages which act as employment and service centres for their surrounding rural areas. Residents will have increased access to good quality affordable homes, a wider range of local higher skilled and better paid jobs, and good quality services and facilities close to where they live.”
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