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Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee - Tuesday, 15 September 2026 - 7.00 pm
September 15, 2026 at 7:00 pm Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, approving a response to the draft London Plan and endorsing flood resilience work at the Leg o' Mutton Nature Reserve. The committee also noted progress on the Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough
strategy and reviewed the council's Q1 financial monitoring report.
Draft London Plan Response
The committee delegated authority to the Director of Place Planning, in consultation with the Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, to finalise and submit the council's response to the Mayor of London's consultation on the draft London Plan. The proposed response supports the overall ambition of the draft plan but seeks greater local flexibility to reflect Richmond's specific circumstances. Key concerns include the deliverability of proposed housing targets, the impact of changes to definitions of tall buildings, and the proposed tenure split for affordable housing. The council also expressed reservations about the removal of a dedicated food growing policy and the potential implications of industrial land release for local businesses.
Community BlueScapes Flood Resilience Project
The committee approved proposed flood resilience work at the Leg o' Mutton Nature Reserve and agreed to continue supporting the work of the Community BlueScapes partnership in the Beverley Brook catchment. The project aims to divert surface water from the drainage network into the Leg o' Mutton reservoir during heavy rainfall and high tides, thereby reducing flood risk in North Barnes and improving water quality and habitat within the nature reserve. The scheme will incorporate engineered and nature-based treatment measures before water enters the lake.
Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough 2024-2029 – Update on Year 2 and Proposed Action Plan for Year 3
The committee noted the progress made in Year 2 of the Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough
strategy and endorsed the proposed Year 3 Action Plan and its key performance indicators. Year 2 saw strong progress in targeted activities for women and girls, older people, sanctuary seekers, and individuals with disabilities. The Year 3 plan will focus on reducing inactivity through accessible opportunities, aligning with Public Health priorities, strengthening partnerships, and investing in inclusive facilities.
Future Management Options for Richmond's Council Managed Sports Centres
The committee noted the current operating and financial position of the council's directly managed sports centres, including the projected ongoing subsidy. They also noted the early performance, access, and community benefits being delivered through the existing GLL leisure management contract at Pools on the Park and Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Chair and the Executive Director of Finance, to approve and implement the consolidation of relevant leisure services if it is deemed to represent best value for the council.
Q1 Quarterly Monitoring Report
The committee noted that the current revenue budget projected an underspend of £337,000. This underspend is largely attributed to income overachievement in the sports service, particularly from tennis, and a reduction in transport strategy costs due to increased e-bike provision. The committee also noted the latest position on the capital programme, which showed a projected outturn of £6.697 million against a revised budget of £6.714 million for the committed capital programme.
Committee Work Programme
The committee agreed to add items on emergency planning, trees and climate, flood resilience, and the reconvened low waste working group to its future work programme. The management of conservation sites is scheduled for November, and litter enforcement is also expected to be discussed in the near future.
Ward Concerns and Petitions
Councillor Katie Mansfield raised a ward concern regarding the Lack of Play Facilities for Young Children North of the A316
. A petition was also heard requesting a Splash Pad at Kneller Gardens
. The committee acknowledged these concerns and noted that officers are undertaking a play sufficiency assessment across the borough, which will inform future priorities. The potential for a splash pad will be considered alongside evidence of need and affordability.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Ward Concerns
Recommendations ApprovedThe Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council on 15 September 2026 approved recommendations. Councillor Mansfield presented a Ward Concern regarding the lack of play facilities for young children north of the A316.
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Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough 2024-2029 – Update on Year 2 and Proposed Action Plan for Yr 3
Recommendations ApprovedThe Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council approved recommendations on 15 September 2026. The committee noted progress in Year 2 of the Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough strategy and endorsed the Year 3 Action Plan and its key performance indicators.
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Committee Work Programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council decided on 15 September 2026 to approve the Committee Work Programme for committee business, subject to amendments and additions discussed.
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Future Management Options for Richmond’s Council Managed Sports Centres
Recommendations ApprovedThe Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee approved recommendations on 15/09/2026. The committee delegated authority to the Executive Director of Resident Services to approve and implement the consolidation of relevant leisure services where it represents best value for the Council. This includes noting the current operating and financial position of directly managed centres and the benefits of the existing GLL leisure management contract.
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Apologies
Recommendations ApprovedThe Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council approved recommendations on 15 September 2026. There were no apologies recorded on this occasion.
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Q1 Quarterly Monitoring report
Recommendations ApprovedThe Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council decided on 15/09/2026 to approve recommendations. The committee noted a projected revenue budget underspend of £337,000 and noted the latest position on the capital programme.
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Draft London Plan response
Recommendations ApprovedThe Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee resolved to approve recommendations on 15 September 2026. The committee delegated authority to the Director of Place Planning to finalise and submit a response to the Mayor's consultation on the draft London Plan, in liaison with the Chair of the committee.
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Community BlueScapes flood resilience project
Recommendations ApprovedThe Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee approved proposed flood resilience work at the Leg o’ Mutton Nature Reserve and agreed to continue supporting the Community BlueScapes partnership. The decision was made on 15/09/2026. The approved work includes diverting surface water from drains into the reservoir, installing new pipe connections and water-level controls, and upgrading non-return valves.
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