Norfolk Approves 99 Community Highway Schemes for 2026–27

Norfolk County Council has approved 99 new highway improvement projects for 2026–27 as part of its Parish Partnership Programme, reaffirming its commitment to working closely with town and parish councils.

Now in its fifteenth year, the scheme enables local communities to propose and co-fund small-scale transport improvements that reflect local priorities — from enhancing pedestrian safety to reducing vehicle speeds and improving access for walking and cycling.

Ahead of next month’s Cabinet meeting, council papers confirm that all 99 bids submitted for 2026–27 have been approved as viable following assessment against value for money, safety benefits, community outcomes and compliance criteria.

The programme represents a total investment of £769,034, funded through the longstanding 50/50 partnership model. Town and parish councils will contribute £384,517, matched by the county council, effectively doubling the number of schemes that can be delivered.

Councillor Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said the initiative remains one of the authority’s most successful collaborative programmes.

“The Parish Partnership scheme allows us to work directly with parish councils to deliver the improvements communities tell us they need — projects that make everyday journeys safer, easier and more enjoyable,” he said.

This year’s approved schemes include:

• 68 small highway improvements, such as village gateways, new footpaths and trods, signage upgrades, resurfacing works, benches and access improvements

• 31 vehicle-activated speed sign (VAS/SAM2) projects, aimed at encouraging safer driving speeds in villages and towns

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The county council has fully supported the vehicle-activated sign element of the programme following the withdrawal of previous funding from the Safety Camera Partnership.

Projects will be delivered across the county, from Ashill and Attleborough to Wymondham and Weybourne.

Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet will formally consider the report at its meeting on 2 March.