The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee met to discuss the future of Shacklegate Lane allotments, the delivery of the Culture Richmond strategy, and plans for a low-waste future. The committee heard passionate arguments regarding the proposed closure of Shacklegate Lane allotments to extend Teddington Cemetery, ultimately deciding to proceed with the cemetery expansion. Significant progress was noted on the Culture Richmond strategy, with plans to continue its implementation and enhance partnerships. The committee also approved a roadmap for achieving a low-waste future, including new recycling initiatives and trials.

Shacklegate Lane Allotments and Teddington Cemetery Expansion

The committee considered a petition with over 1,700 signatures opposing the council's decision to reclaim Shacklegate Lane allotments for the expansion of Teddington Cemetery. Local residents and Councillor Chas Warlow argued that the allotments are a vital green space, important for sustainability, well-being, and locally grown food. They highlighted that nearly half of recent burials have been for non-residents and suggested alternative burial approaches, such as reusing older graves, could provide sufficient capacity without sacrificing the allotments. Mrs. Jane Cowling, representing the petitioners, emphasised the historical and ecological value of the 120-year-old allotments, urging the council to reconsider.

However, officers clarified that Teddington Cemetery has only one burial plot remaining, with two funerals scheduled to take the last space. They explained that reclaiming the allotments is necessary to provide burial space for the next 30 years. While acknowledging the value of allotments, the council's position was that its statutory duty to provide burial space takes precedence. The committee was informed that the process of reclaiming land for burial requires a 12-month settling period after works are completed, not the 24 months initially suggested by some speakers. The Law Commission's report on grave reuse was mentioned, but officers noted that its proposals, which could extend the time before graves can be reused, would make short-term solutions like the cemetery expansion even more critical. The committee ultimately decided to proceed with the cemetery expansion, with officers noting that while they would not have allotment space on that particular site, they would aim to return part of the site to food growing locally in the future.

Culture Richmond Delivery Update

The committee received an update on the Culture Richmond strategy, a five-year framework for cultural growth and innovation in the borough. Councillor John Coombs, Spokesperson for Arts, expressed his impressment with the achievements made over the past five years, particularly the establishment of a peer network for cultural organisations and the successful delivery of various programmes. Tim Coram, Arts Service Manager, presented the strategy's progress, highlighting its role in supporting arts, culture, and creativity through an enabling approach. He noted that the strategy aligns with the council's wider priorities, including health and well-being, and place-making.

Paul Jennings, CEO of Habitats and Heritage and Chair of the Cultural Commissioning Peer Network, spoke about the value of the network in fostering collaboration and innovation among diverse cultural organisations. He shared an example of an environmental charity partnering with a dance organisation, demonstrating the potential for cross-sector collaboration. Joe Terrell, Head of School for Creative Industries at Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge College, detailed the college's partnerships with local galleries and organisations, showcasing how these collaborations provide students with real-world experience and opportunities to contribute to the borough's cultural life. The committee endorsed the proposed focus areas and strategic actions for 2026-2031, including strengthening the creative industries workforce, promoting creative health initiatives, and developing new partnerships. The grant limit for the Cultural Commissioning Challenge and Innovation Fund was recommended to be raised from £3,000 to £5,000 to support more effective project delivery.

Roadmap to a Low Waste Future

Natasha Epstein, Director of Waste and Street Cleansing, presented a report outlining proposals to support the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in becoming a low-waste authority. The committee was asked to review options and implement essential and desirable projects. Key proposals included a new recycling and food waste service for Flats Above Shops (FLASH) properties, which currently lack adequate services. Trials for collecting soft plastics were also proposed, exploring different methods such as loose collection in recycling boxes, resident-provided bags, or council-provided bags.

The committee was informed about the upcoming Simpler Recycling legislation, which mandates separate collections for various materials. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding, amounting to £1.8 million for the financial year, will help offset the costs of collecting and processing packaging materials. Desirable projects included extending the spillage crew resource to improve street cleanliness, funding a London-wide food waste reduction campaign, and promoting home composting. Ancillary services focused on harder-to-target materials like textiles, electrical items, and batteries, with proposals for a mobile Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC) and exploring options for nappies and absorbent hygiene products. The committee also discussed the need for additional staff to support education and enforcement efforts, including a dedicated waste enforcement officer to tackle fly-tipping. The committee agreed to implement the proposed projects and continue the working group to discuss longer-term options. Councillor Chas Warlow volunteered his area for the soft plastics trial.

Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme. Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the committee, proposed adding an update on Community BlueScapes to the June meeting and a leisure strategy update for September. Discussions also touched upon the upcoming report on Richmond Town Centre, which will consider private provision for public toilets. Councillor Zoe McLeod raised the point of resilience in the context of climate impacts and other incidents, suggesting it be considered by the committee. The committee agreed to add these items to its work programme.

The meeting concluded with thanks to departing councillors and officers for their contributions.