Purpose

Over the last two years officer from Enfield
Council’s Rural Transformation service have been working with
farmers and other land managers across Enfield’s rural estate
to identify and evaluate opportunities for largescale landscape
restoration measures. These measures include the restoration of
rivers, creation of wetlands and woodlands, and reintroduction of
sustainable farming practices such as conservation grazing with the
aim of delivering a wide range of benefits for the people and
wildlife. Key benefits include increased access to green spaces for
people, enhanced habitat for wildlife, improved economic outcomes
for farms and other rural businesses and reduced flood risk in
downstream areas such as Edmonton. To implement the project it is
proposed to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC) or similar
vehicle to enter a long-term (20 plus years) funding agreement with
Defra. This vehicle will manage the delivery and maintenance of the
Landscape Restoration measures, attract private investment and
ultimately be responsible for achieving the aims of the
project.

Decision

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to
 
 

Proceed with the Enfield Chase
Landscape Recovery Project
Act as the Single Legal Entity for
the project if accepted by DEFRA.
Approve entering into a long-term
(20 year minimum) funding agreement with Defra to deliver the
Landscape Recovery outcomes
Note that the Leader of the Council
will approve the entering into of any necessary funding agreement
with Defra for the delivery of the scheme
Delegate authority to the Executive
Director of Environment & Communities to finalise the Project
Implementation Plan with Defra and other partners
Delegate authority to the Executive
Director of Environment & Communities to procure and award
contracts for the works and services as part of the delivery of the
ECLR project in compliance with the Council’s procurement
rules
Note the Blended Finance Plan set
out in Appendix 2, which includes private investment, carbon and
biodiversity markets, and public grant funding.
Note that any disposal of Green belt
and/or open space may be subject to approval by Cabinet and would
be subject to public advertisement and Secretary of State
consent.