Decision

RESOLVED that

(a)  the Vision for the future of the County Farms Estate as set out in this report be approved;

(b)  the importance of the County Farms Estate in supporting food production, successful farming businesses, new entrants to farming, rural prosperity, environmental enhancement and the delivery of the Council’s Strategic priorities be endorsed;

(c)  the innovation, engagement, education, partnership and  environmental enhancement activity already being delivered through the Estate set out in section 3 of this report, be acknowledged;

(d)  the ambition and opportunities set out in section 3.10 of this report, recognising that any specific proposals requiring expenditure, contractual commitments, tenancy changes, land transactions or changes to policy or operational practice will be subject to separate consideration and approval in accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Financial Regulations and relevant delegations, be supported; and that

(e)  a review and refresh of the County Farms Estate Strategy for consideration by Cabinet in December 2026 to support the delivery of the Vision and alignment to the Council’s Strategic Priorities, as set out in this report, be agreed, with the Strategy including a detailed action plan with relevant timescales.