The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including the Q2 Quarterly Monitoring Report, the Forward Plan, and a ward concern regarding an eyesore in Hampton Wick. The meeting also included the introduction of new Assistant Directors for Waste and Contracts and Leisure.

Ward Concerns

A local eyesore to the rear of 83 High Street, Hampton Wick, was scheduled to be raised as a ward concern by Councillor Brown.

Assistant Directors

The committee was scheduled to be introduced to the new Assistant Directors for Waste and Contracts and Leisure.

Q2 Quarterly Monitoring Report

The committee was set to review the Q2 Quarterly Monitoring Report, which provides an overview of revenue and capital budget management. The report details actions being taken where appropriate. The report indicated a projected revenue budget overspend of £420,000 for the services within the committee's remit. Key areas contributing to this overspend included sports and leisure, which had not fully recovered post-COVID-19, and the Regulatory Services Partnership due to an IT system migration project. An underspend was noted in Development Management due to income received from larger planning application schemes. The report also highlighted the impact of inflation and increased energy prices, noting that additional income was expected from energy generated at energy recovery facilities.

The capital programme for 2022/23 was revised to £5.010 million, with a forecast expenditure of £4.486 million. Disruptions to the supply chain and delivery of materials due to global events were noted as challenges impacting the capital programme. Specific projects mentioned included improvements to leisure facilities at Pools on the Park and Teddington Leisure Centre.

Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider the Forward Plan for committee business. This plan outlines upcoming matters for discussion. The Forward Plan noted that reports on Richmond Welfare Facilities, Negotiated Stopping Requests, and Moormead Pavilion might be reported at a later committee meeting than November. The Chair of the Committee was also due to liaise with the Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee regarding a potential referral to the Policy and Performance Review Board on the issue of illegal crossovers.

Energy Efficiency Within the Historic Environment and a Review of the Development Management Approach to Permitted Development Rights for Solar Panels

The committee was scheduled to review proposals concerning energy efficiency in buildings of traditional construction and adapting to climate change. This included making additions to Local Validation requirements and updating the Sustainable Construction Checklist Strategic Planning Document. The report detailed the council's current approach to solar panel installations on properties in conservation areas, which typically requires planning applications if panels are visible from the public highway.

The report noted that any retrofitting of solar panels or microgeneration on properties in conservation areas must consider statutory tests laid out in the Planning, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act. While the council's climate change ambitions are important, the legal significance of heritage assets is a primary consideration. The report suggested that new guidance could be provided on what is considered permitted development, potentially leading to more solar panel installations being classified as such.

A local resident, Tracy Willmott, was expected to share her experience of retrofitting her 1930s house, highlighting challenges with the planning process and a perceived lack of support for environmental aims. Councillor Frieze was also expected to present data on solar panel installation rates in London and Richmond, suggesting that conservation area restrictions were hindering progress.

The committee was to consider recommendations including:

• Approving a 'whole building approach' for improving energy efficiency in traditional buildings.
• Updating the Sustainable Construction Checklist SPD and considering resources for a borough-specific SPD on sustainable energy and construction for historic homes.
• Reviewing and agreeing the future Development Management approach to Permitted Development Rights for Solar Panels and updating the Solar Together guidance.
• Asking the Head of Development Management to provide a written update after six months of the new checklist approach.
• Considering the establishment of a Members' working group to take these matters forward.

Library Strategy

The committee was scheduled to review the Library Strategy, a four-year plan aimed at maintaining the high performance of Richmond's Library Service. The strategy focuses on inclusivity, inspiring readers, attracting new users, and embracing technology and innovation. It outlines plans to provide safe and welcoming buildings, offer digital services, and extend services into communities, recognising the vital role of staff. The report highlighted that the library budget remains the same as the previous year and noted that libraries provide warm spaces.

Waste Management

An update on the waste management improvement plan was scheduled, addressing ongoing resource issues faced by the contractor, Serco. These issues include recruitment and retention challenges, the impact of industrial action, and staff shortages. The report indicated that supervision resources had been reinstated. It was noted that between April and August, 0.1% to 0.15% of collections were missed. Route optimisation was planned to improve efficiency. The committee was to be informed about key performance indicators for missed collections and how spillage and container return are measured. The report also discussed recycling contamination rates, the rollout of in-cab technology, and the importance of communication regarding changes to collection days and routes.

Lead Local Flood Authority Report

The committee was to receive an overview of the council's responsibilities as a Lead Local Flood Authority in managing flood risk. The report sought permission to consult on Local Flood Risk Management Strategies and provided an update on flood resilience projects in the Beverley Brook area. The report mentioned that a borough-wide Section 19 report was planned to cover flooding incidents from July of the previous year. It also discussed the impact of impermeable surfaces on flooding and the council's desire to encourage residents to remove paving from front gardens. The report also touched upon the use of gulley sensors to monitor potential flooding issues.

The committee was scheduled to approve the consultation questionnaire for Local Flood Risk Management Strategies and the proposed fee of £50 for processing ordinary watercourse consent applications.

Approval of Draft Conservation Area Appraisals (Tranche 3) for Public Consultation

The committee was scheduled to consider the third tranche of revised appraisals for public consultation, covering Mays Road, Sheen Lane, Mortlake, and Trafalgar Road Conservation Areas. The report also included proposals for an immediate Article 4 Direction for properties on Mays Road deemed at risk and the removal of Buildings of Townscape Merit designations from four properties on Mays Road, with the designation of four other structures elsewhere. The report indicated that consultation on earlier tranches had been successful and results were being analysed.

The committee was to approve the draft Conservation Area Appraisals for public consultation and delegate authority for non-material drafting changes. They were also to approve the making of an immediate Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for dwellings in part of CA 42 Mays Road Conservation Area, and approve additions to the list of Buildings of Townscape Merit.

Richmond Corporate Plan Key Actions and Indicators for 2022/23

The committee was scheduled to review the Richmond Corporate Plan key actions and indicators for 2022/23. This report detailed the process for developing these actions, translating manifesto commitments into trackable deliverables, and developing key performance indicators based on feedback from members and officers.

Q1 Quarterly Monitoring Report

This report was scheduled to present the latest budget position for both revenue and capital. It noted an expected overspend in the revenue budget, with sports and leisure being a key driver, and also mentioned an overspend on an IT rollout within the Regulatory Services Partnership. Additional income was anticipated from the West London Waste Authority from energy generated at energy recovery facilities. The committee was to note the projected revenue budget overspend of £276,000 for services within its remit and the position on the capital programme.

Forward Plan

The Forward Plan was to be noted, with specific additions and amendments. Richmond Welfare Facilities was to be added, and reports on Negotiated Stopping Requests and Moormead Pavilion might be deferred. The Chair of the Committee was to liaise with the Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee regarding a referral to the Policy and Performance Review Board concerning illegal crossovers.