Information regarding the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, including current policies and initiatives
About the Norfolk Coast National Landscape
The Norfolk Coast National Landscape (formerly known as the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) was first designated by the Government in 1968.
It covers the coastal zones of the Borough, stretching east around the North Norfolk Coast from North Wootton and Castle Rising (north of King’s Lynn). It includes parts (or all) of the parishes of Castle Rising, North Wootton, Congham, Hillington, Flitcham, Sandringham, Dersingham, Snettisham, Heacham, Sedgeford, Old Hunstanton, Ringstead, Holme Next The Sea, Thornham, Titchwell, Brancaster, Docking, Burnham Market, Burnham Norton, Burnham Thorpe and Burnham Overy.
The designated area may be viewed on our Interactive Planning Policies Map. The adopted Local Plan 2021-2040 also contains a specific policy for the Norfolk Coast National Landscape (LP16).
Norfolk Coast Partnership
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 sets out our responsibilities for managing the NCNL, including a legal duty upon us to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area.
To fulfil our legal responsibilities, we are a member of the Norfolk Coast Partnership. Key partners include local planning authorities, Natural England, the Environment Agency, Marine Management Organisation, RSPB, National Trust, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, community groups and representatives from the tourism, farming and business sectors.
The Partnership, on behalf of the partner bodies, has lead preparation of the NCNL Management Plan 2025-30. The Management Plan is a statutory plan/ strategy. This sets a five-year strategy to protect and enhance the NCNL, balancing a legal obligation to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the National Landscape, with other duties to meet social and economic needs of the area.
The new Management Plan 2025-2030 was adopted as a Cabinet Member Delegated Decision on 28 May 2026, confirmed on 11 June 2026. This replaces the previous (2019-2024) Management Plan.
Further information about the NCNL Management Plan is available on the Norfolk Coast Partnership website.