Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 14, 2026

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.

Content: 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.