The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee met on Tuesday, 7 January 2025, approving plans for the expansion of the Community Toilet Scheme and the development of a new nature conservation site. The committee also reviewed performance against the Richmond Corporate Plan and received an update on the Arts Service.

Update on the Arts Service

The committee received an update on the achievements and future plans for the Richmond Arts Service, endorsing its strategic role in developing creative and cultural ecosystems. Councillor John Coombs, spokesperson for the Arts, welcomed the report, highlighting the value of the service to residents and expressing concern over the national trend of arts service closures. The Service Manager (Arts) presented key activities, emphasising the service's contribution to corporate priorities, including climate emergency campaigns, post-pandemic economic recovery, and community and youth engagement. Participation in the arts service has grown, with over 85,000 individuals engaged in 2023-24, and income has increased to over £300,000 from commercial trusts, foundations, and individual giving. Orleans House Gallery's work has gained national and international recognition. For 2025-2029, the service aims to further develop the cultural ecology by fostering connections between arts organisations and individuals, embedding arts in placemaking decisions, and focusing on programmes for underserved communities and major societal challenges. The committee supported the ambitions for arts, culture, and creativity through strategic relationship building, including with potential funders and community partners.

New Nature Conservation Site at Oldfield Road Meadow

The committee agreed to the appropriation of Oldfield Road Meadow from Education to Environmental & Community Services (ECS) to establish a new public nature conservation site. The Parks Service Manager presented the proposal to transfer the 0.6-hectare meadow, which has been surplus to educational requirements for over 10 years. A public consultation in summer 2023 showed overwhelming support, with over 97% in favour. The plans include planting a Miyawaki microforest, managing a section for low intervention biodiversity, creating new access points, natural footpaths, and natural play areas. No additional funding is required, as s.106 funds are available for play elements and maintenance will be covered by existing contracts. The committee supported the proposal, noting its alignment with the corporate priority of a greener borough and the addition of publicly accessible open space.

Community Toilet Scheme

The committee approved the extension of the current Community Toilet Scheme (CTS) management post for a further six months and the creation of a 1-year fixed-term Access Officer post. The Director for Waste and Street Cleansing outlined progress on recommendations from the Policy and Review Board, including efforts to expand and promote the scheme, maintain digital and printed maps, and increase the number and types of facilities, including disabled access and baby-changing facilities. The scheme aims to ensure a toilet facility is within a 5 to 10-minute walk for residents, with some areas requiring up to 25 additional toilets. The proposed Access Officer post will oversee broader accessibility networks. The committee acknowledged the importance of the scheme as a public service and the officers' efforts in achieving positive outcomes.

Richmond Corporate Plan Mid-Year (Q2) Performance Report

The committee noted progress on Richmond Corporate Plan actions and performance against key indicators for the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports portfolio. The Director for Climate Change, Policy and Communications presented the report, which showed mixed performance. While areas like fly-tip clearance, waste and recycling collection, arts participation, and library issues showed improvement or strong performance, there was a decline in the percentage of household waste sent for recycling and composting, and a reduction in the proportion of public streets with acceptably low levels of litter and detritus. The committee agreed that no areas of performance warranted recommendation for further consideration by the Policy and Performance Review Board.

Committee Work Programme

The committee agreed to the Committee Work Programme, with amendments and additions discussed. It was noted that a presentation on Waste and Recycling would be provided at the meeting on 2 April 2025. Two further reports were added for the February 2025 meeting: Arboriculture Contract and Government Approach to Housing Delivery.

Ward Concerns

Councillor Engel presented a ward concern regarding the proposal to permanently unlock park gates across the borough, specifically requesting that Grove Gardens be excluded from any borough-wide policy changes. He highlighted the park's unique characteristics, its susceptibility to antisocial behaviour, and the effectiveness of current locking policies in mitigating these issues. The committee acknowledged his request for a non-blanket approach to park policies, and the consultation on this matter will commence in January 2025, with a report to be presented in April 2025.