Norfolk County Council has updated its environmental framework for the first time in 17 years, adopting a new Environmental Policy and Environment Strategy that will guide how the council protects and enhances the county's natural environment.

The strategy is built around five strategic pillars, which the council says will ensure environmental considerations are applied consistently across all council activities — including when taking forward major infrastructure projects.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste Cllr James Bensly said the policy struck a balanced approach, ensuring that environmental protections do not cause unnecessary delays to development.

The council is working towards a target of planting one million trees. Cabinet heard that around 700,000 have been planted so far, with an aim to reach 750,000 by the end of March 2026.

Cabinet endorsed the Environment Strategy and recommended the Environmental Policy to Full Council for formal adoption.