The Environment Select Committee met on Monday 22 June 2026 to discuss the draft Culture Plan for 2026-2029, the work of the Noise and Nuisance Team, and to develop the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. Key decisions included the endorsement of the draft Culture Plan, which prioritises partnership working and increased accessibility, and the identification of several key areas for scrutiny in the next municipal year, including flood risk management and waste and recycling rates.

Draft Culture Plan 2026-2029

The committee reviewed the draft Culture Plan for 2026-2029, which has been developed in response to reduced council funding and organisational changes. The plan emphasises partnership working, aiming to foster collaboration between the council, cultural institutions, artists, and community groups. Key priorities include improving the promotion of the borough's cultural offer, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity, supporting children and young people's engagement with culture, diversifying cultural programming, and increasing support for local artists and grassroots organisations. Funding for the plan will largely rely on Section 106 contributions from developers and social value benefits from council contracts. Councillors discussed the plan's focus on partnership, the potential impact of reduced funding, and the importance of leveraging existing resources. The plan was presented for scrutiny and feedback, with a view to its adoption by the Leadership Team in July 2026.

Enforcement of Noise and Nuisance

The committee received a report detailing the work of the council's Noise and Nuisance Team. The team investigates complaints of statutory nuisances, with a particular focus on noise, and also undertakes work related to construction sites, licensing, and planning. The report highlighted that Kensington and Chelsea receives a high volume of noise complaints, with the team responding to over 10,000 service requests annually. The team operates a 7am to 5am service seven days a week, with a target response time of 30 minutes for initial contact and one hour for a visit. The report also discussed the impact of a recent cyber-attack on the team's ability to receive complaints and the future challenges and opportunities facing the service, including potential mayoral powers, balancing growth with amenity, and the need to adapt to changing resident expectations and technological advancements. The committee discussed the effectiveness of acoustic cameras, the process for investigating complaints, and the various enforcement remedies available.

Select Committee Work Programme 2026/2027

The committee discussed and began to shape its work programme for the 2026/2027 municipal year. Several potential scrutiny topics were raised, including the improvement works at Portobello Road and the trial of a new flood management system, which was proposed as a significant area for scrutiny due to its potential borough-wide relevance. Other suggested topics included waste and recycling rates in Oakington Manor, the impact of new planning rules, and engagement with Transport for London (TfL) regarding road safety and cycling infrastructure. The committee also noted the importance of scrutinising the council's progress towards its net-zero targets, with a discussion on how this might be split between the Environment Select Committee and the Housing and Communities Select Committee. The proposed work programme will be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for coordination.