Policy context
As we continue to deliver the objectives and policies in the Local Transport Plan (LTP), new and evolving policies and strategies are being developed in the county, region and nationally.
We continue to monitor new developments and ensure the LTP delivery is developing in line with these new policies and strategies.
New LTP guidance was first raised by government in 2021, alongside which the Department for Transport (DfT) was expected to publish Quantifiable Carbon Reduction (QCR) guidance. However, at the time of writing, neither have been published and we have not been given a date for them to be released. Once published, we will assess any implications for the LTP.
On this page
Department for Transport, 2025.
DfT is developing an Emergeing Integrated National Transport Strategy which will set the high-level direction for how transport should be designed, built and operated in England over the next ten years.
It will set out a single national vision which will put people who use transport and their needs at its heart and empower local leaders to deliver integrated transport solutions that meet the needs of their local communities.
Emerging Transport Adaptation Strategy
Department for Transport, 2024.
The Transport Adaptation Strategy is an emerging document aiming to improve climate resilience in the transport system, by enhancing climate adaptation planning and ensuring plans are achieved, by highlighting the need to protect infrastructure, improve response and recovery times from extreme weather events, and enhance the robustness of networks against future risks.
Key initiatives include investing in durable materials, upgrading drainage systems, and adopting smart technology to monitor and respond to climate-related disruptions. The strategy also prioritises collaboration between government, local authorities, and private operators to create a cohesive response to climate challenges, ensuring that transport systems remain safe, efficient, and sustainable for future generations.
National Planning Policy Framework
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2024
The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government's planning policies for England and how they should be applied. It provides a framework for providing housing and other development in a sustainable way. The new NPPF states: Transport issues should be considered from the earliest stages of plan-making and development proposals, using a vision-led approach to identify transport solutions that deliver well-designed, sustainable and popular places.
Key relevant changes to the previous policy:
- Local Housing - The new guidance gives local authorities greater flexibility to plan for fewer or higher number of homes than the standard method might suggest, where there are specific local circumstances
- Green belt - Local authorities can change the boundary of green belt land to meet housing need
- Density of residential development - Gives local authorities the chance to define "out of character" circumstances in design codes and plan-making
- Beauty is emphasised in strategic policies
- Energy efficiency - Local Authorities given the power to give significant weight to supporting energy efficiency and low carbon heating through building adaptations.
The significant increases in government's calculation of local housing need across Norfolk going forward is currently being planned for by authorities and will set the long term strategic context for next 25 years.
Norfolk Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy
Norfolk County Council, 2024
The Norfolk Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy is a strategic document that supports Government's target for 50% of the journeys in towns and cities to be completed by walking, wheeling and cycling by 2030 to create a healthier and greener Norfolk. The strategy is mostly implemented through delivering the adopted Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) and Norfolk Access Improvement Plan (NAIP), which relates to Public Rights of Way, as well as other adopted and emerging plans to ensure walking, wheeling and cycling.
Norfolk Climate Policy and Climate Strategy
Norfolk County Council, 2024
Norfolk County Council recognises the serious impact of climate change globally and the need for urgent action. The Climate Strategy outlines how the council will use its powers and influence to address climate change across seven focus areas:
- Norfolk County Council estate
- Indirect emissions (our organisation's wider carbon footprint)
- County-wide emissions (transport, buildings and planning, commercial and industrial, energy, digital connectivity, waste)
- Promoting a green economy
- Adapting to climate change
- Space for nature to recover and grow
- Engage and collaborate
The Climate Policy ensures that the council's approach to climate change, as comprehensively set out in its Climate Strategy, is part of the Council's Policy Framework which guides how the Council is run.
Norfolk Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP)
Norfolk County Council, 2024
The Norfolk Bus Service Improvement Plan secured £49.6m for improvements across the County for a three-year period to 31 March 2025 with the remaining unspent funding allowed to be carried into 2025-26. Additional 2025-26 Grant funding was awarded totalling £14.7m for 2025-26. Some of this funding is allocated to implementing general county-wide initiatives and some is targeted at improving journey times, passenger experience and levels of service on key bus corridors.
