The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council is scheduled to consider a range of important topics at its meeting on Tuesday 15 September 2026. Key discussions are expected to focus on the Council's response to the draft London Plan, flood resilience projects, and updates on the borough's physical activity strategy.

Responding to the Draft London Plan

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the Council's formal response to the Mayor of London's consultation on the draft London Plan. The report outlines the principles for this response, which will be finalised and submitted by the Director of Place Planning in liaison with Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee. The draft London Plan, which sets out the strategic framework for Greater London's future growth and development, has been streamlined from its previous version. The Council's proposed response will address key issues including the overall approach to housing targets, with specific concerns raised about the evidential basis for Richmond's housing target and the potential impact of industrial land loss on local jobs. Other areas for comment include infrastructure provision, tall buildings, affordable housing requirements, housing mix, employment land, Heathrow Airport expansion, embodied carbon, heat risk, energy efficiency, carbon offsetting, Gypsy and Traveller needs, rivers and waterways, food growing, Metropolitan Open Land, and the Green Belt. The Council aims to ensure that the borough's interests are appropriately considered during the examination of the London Plan.

Community BlueScapes Flood Resilience Project

An update is scheduled on the Community BlueScapes programme, focusing on its final year of delivery. This includes potential drainage and water level improvements at the Leg o' Mutton nature reserve. The project, funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), aims to improve flood resilience within the Beverley Brook hydrological catchment. The report details proposed flood resilience work at the Leg o' Mutton Nature Reserve, which involves diverting surface water from the existing drainage network into the reservoir during heavy rainfall to provide additional storage capacity and reduce tide-lock flooding in surrounding areas. The scheme is designed as a nature-based solution, incorporating treatment measures to improve water quality before it enters the lake and enhancing the ecological condition of the reserve. The committee will be asked to approve the proposed flood resilience work and continue support for the Community BlueScapes partnership.

Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough Strategy

The committee will receive an update on Year 2 progress of the Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough strategy (2024–2029). This strategy aims to increase physical activity across the borough through three themes: Active People, Active Communities, and Active Environments. The report highlights progress made, particularly in targeted activities for women and girls, older people, sanctuary seekers, and young people and adults with disabilities. The Active Lives data indicates that Richmond remains above the London average for active residents, although participation gaps for women and girls remain a priority. The proposed Year 3 Action Plan will be presented for endorsement, with priorities including reducing inactivity through accessible opportunities, closer alignment with Public Health initiatives, stronger partnership working, investment in inclusive facilities, and improved data insights.

Future Management of Council-Managed Sports Centres

The committee will consider options for the future management of Richmond's council-managed sports centres. The report examines whether consolidating the remaining directly managed sports centres within the existing leisure management contract with GLL would provide best value, protect resident access, and support the delivery of the Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough strategy. Currently, the Council directly manages Active Hampton, Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre, Shene Sports and Fitness Centre, Teddington Sports Centre, and Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre, which are forecast to require a significant subsidy. The report notes the early positive performance of the GLL contract at Pools on the Park and Teddington Pools & Fitness Centre, including increased memberships and community outreach. The committee will be asked to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Resident Services to approve and implement the consolidation of relevant leisure services if it is deemed to represent best value.

Budget Monitoring and Committee Work Programme

The committee will also receive a Q1 Quarterly Monitoring report, providing an overview of the revenue and capital budget management for the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports services. The report will summarise actions being taken to address any variances. Finally, the committee will consider its Work Programme for future meetings, with potential items including reports on conservation site management, litter enforcement, and the Richmond Corporate Plan.

A ward concern regarding the Lack of Play Facilities for Young Children North of the A316 and a petition for a Splash Pad at Kneller Gardens are also scheduled for consideration.