The Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee met on Wednesday, 2 April 2025, approving a new draft Events Policy for public consultation and endorsing a plan to boost participation in sports and physical activity for women and girls. The committee also agreed to implement a roadmap towards a low-waste future for the borough.

Roadmap to a Low Waste Future

The committee approved a comprehensive plan to transition Richmond upon Thames towards a low-waste future. Key decisions included the approval of the replacement of the weighbridge at Townmead Road, agreement to proposed communication and surveying projects, and the implementation of two soft plastic trials in 2025/26. A cross-party Councillor working group will be established to discuss future changes, and specific year-on-year waste reduction targets will be implemented. The committee noted the progress on Corporate Plan priorities and considered the implications of new and future legislation, including the Simpler Recycling regulations and the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme. The report highlighted that Richmond is a high-performing authority in recycling, but there is significant potential for improvement, particularly in reducing residual waste and increasing food waste recycling. The introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for energy-from-waste facilities from 2028 was noted as a significant future cost implication, necessitating a focus on waste reduction and lobbying central government to align manufacturing and waste disposal policies. Initiatives in progress include the provision of free biodegradable liners for food waste caddies, waste audits for schools, and improvements to the Townmead Road reuse and recycling centre. The committee also agreed to explore trials for soft plastic collections and to promote textile reuse.

Richmond's Plan to Focus on Women and Girls and Boost Participation in Sports and Physical Activity

The committee endorsed a plan aimed at increasing participation, volunteering, coaching, and employment opportunities for women and girls in sports and physical activity across the borough. The plan, co-produced with stakeholders, addresses four key themes: Access and Options, Coaching and Mentoring, Diverse Participation and Representation, and Financial and Community Support. The committee noted the contents of the report and agreed to the plan, which seeks to remove barriers and create more opportunities for women and girls. This initiative aligns with the council's 'Richmond Moves for a Healthier Borough' strategy, aiming to address the existing gap in participation levels between men and women. The plan includes actions such as creating safe spaces for women, developing a mentoring scheme for female coaches, and establishing a sports clothing and equipment bank. The upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, with its final to be held at Twickenham Stadium, was highlighted as an opportunity to further promote women's sport.

Draft Events Policy for the Borough's Parks, Commons, Open Spaces and Towpaths

The committee approved the updated draft Events Policy for public consultation. The revised policy aims to ensure that events in the borough's green spaces are sustainable and carefully managed, balancing the benefits they bring to the community and local businesses with the need to protect these valued assets. Key changes from the 2012 policy include clearer limits on event size and frequency, a standard 10 pm curfew for unlicensed events, and strengthened environmental commitments requiring event organisers to reduce waste, promote public transport, and deliver social value. The policy also introduces an inclusive ticket offer for eligible Richmond residents for ticketed events and expands stakeholder engagement beyond traditional 'Friends of Parks' groups to include wider community and business input. A further report will be submitted to the committee following the consultation period for the final adoption of the policy.

Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed and agreed its work programme for future meetings. The upcoming agenda items include discussions on the Tree supply, planting and aftercare contract, the Leisure Management contract award, and the End of Year (Q4) 2024/25 performance report. The committee also noted that the Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) would be discussed in Spring/Summer 2025.

Other Business

The committee also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 February 2025 and noted that there were no declarations of interest or petitions raised during this meeting. Councillor Chas Warlow raised a ward concern regarding Recycling bins in South Richmond.