Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Joan King.

To confirm, as being a correct record, the minutes of the Climate Change, Leisure and Housing Committee, held on 12 March 2025, and for them to be signed by the Chair.

Members raised concerns about the accuracy of the minutes from the Climate Change, Leisure & Housing Committee meeting, held on 12 March 2025, related to previous discussions on the Aquadrome project updates, noting a discrepancy between the frequency of the updates, which they stated should be every two months by the work programme and what is reflected in the minutes. The Chair responded by stating that the minutes were correct and explained that the work programme is generated from a system with officer input, and emphasised that reports will appear on the work programme when they are formally submitted in the system. Officers added that no definitive decision was taken on the exact timing of the updates at the last meeting, as there were differing suggestions, and the committee deferred to the Monitoring Officer’s advice on remit. It was confirmed that an update report on the Aquadrome project will be presented at the October Climate Change & Leisure Committee meeting, although committing to a strict six-month schedule is challenging due to committee cycle timings.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved; on being put to the committee the minutes of the Climate Change, Leisure & Housing Committee, held on 12 March 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair of the meeting, the voting being For 5, Against 2, Abstentions 1.

RESOLVED:

To confirm, as being a correct record, the minutes of the Climate Change, Leisure & Housing Committee, held on 12 March 2025 and for them to be signed by the Chair

Items of other business notified under Council Procedure Rule 30 to be announced, together with the special circumstances that justify their consideration as a matter of urgency. The Chair to rule on the admission of such items.

There were no items of other business.

To receive any declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

Appendix A details the annual report from April 2024 – March 2025 from the council’s leisure facilities management contractor, Sports and Leisure Management (SLM). The annual report shares a reflection on the previous 12 months’ work and outlines the work programme for the coming year.

Recommendation

       i.          That the 12-month work plan presented by Sports and Leisure Management is noted.

      ii.          That the 12-month work plan presented by Sports and Leisure Management be made available as part of the minutes of the meeting.

The Leisure Assets Manager introduced the external attendees; John Sewell, Contract Manager and Mark Leahy, Regional Contract Manager from Everyone Active.

The Contract Manager and the Regional Contract Manager provided highlights of the report, which covers the period of April 2024 to March 2025.

Members raised concerns regarding the accuracy of the maintenance statement of the report, specifically the replacement of the shower heads at the leisure centre, stating that several of them remain non-functional, contrary to the statement in the report. Members also acknowledged the positive impact of solar panels, but suggested that larger carbon savings might be realised through other projects, such as demolishing older buildings at the Skanska site. The Chair redirected the discussion, emphasising the committee’s focus on the leisure report and requested that questions remain relevant to the topic at hand.

Members enquired about the factors contributing to the solar panels’ outperformance, and the increased usage at the leisure centres, to which the Contract Manager explained that the panels have exceeded industry standard predictions based on weather conditions. Additionally, they explained the impact of introducing new sports, particularly pickleball, which has significantly increased usage at both Wiliam Penn and South Oxhey Leisure Centres. However, it was noted that while pickleball contributed to higher attendance, it has also replaced some badminton court usage, implying that the rise in attendance is due to multiple factors.

Members also raised questions about the accuracy of gas usage figures at the Rickmansworth Golf Club due to a software miscalculation and the impact of the clubhouse reopening. They also enquired about swimming lessons availability, and expressed concerns about irrigation and drainage issues at the golf course affecting nearby residential areas. The Contract Manager responded by clarifying that the inflated figures were due to event attendance being counted hourly rather than as totals, and confirmed the increase in gas usage is mainly from the kitchen reopening with gas appliances. On irrigation, the Contract Manager outlined recent improvements, including securing a mains water supply and drainage enhancements to prevent water damage to homes. With regards to swimming lessons, the Contract Manager explained ongoing efforts to optimise lesson availability by adjusting entry-level spaces and working with schools to manage demand. In response to questions raised regarding the planned refurbishment at the South Oxhey Leisure Centre, the Contract Manager advised that the refurbishment will include new gym equipment, redecoration, and upgrades to studios to match the look and feel of William Penn’s facilities. During any temporary closures, members of the leisure centre will have access to nearby local facilities at no extra cost. The SPIN facility will receive only light redecoration as it remains in good condition. Additionally, the centre is continuing its partnership with local schools through the ‘Adopt a School’ scheme, offering free access to families, and expanding efforts to include adopting local sports or community clubs to increase participation and membership.

The Chair stated that the earlier question on shower heads replacements had not been answered and requested a response. The Contract  ...  view the full minutes text for item CCLC5/25

A new five-year management plan has been developed for Croxley Common Moor in Croxley Green. The new plan contains management actions over the next five years from financial year 2025/26 until 2029/30. The detailed actions relate to habitat management, scrub management, wildlife surveys for biodiversity and improvements to public access and signage.

Recommendation

That the Climate Change & Leisure Committee:

       i.          Adopt the new five year Management Plan for Croxley Common Moor.

      ii.          Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding to facilitate works to support the implementation of the Management Plans.

     iii.          That public access to the report be immediate.

The Leisure and Assets Manager introduced the report.

Members enquired about the likelihood and history of securing external funding and its adequacy for the management plan’s ambitions. There was appreciation expressed for the rich biodiversity of the site, including species like moths and butterflies. Concerns were raised, however, about the condition and safety of less known entrances to the site, where pallets have deteriorated due to wet conditions. Officers highlighted the community’s positive reception of the new paths, which encourage direct commuting routes and help protect wildlife by reducing trampling on informal paths. Officers also provided an update on the volunteer-lead repair efforts to replace pallets with more durable materials, emphasising collaboration with the Countryside Management Service and local volunteers. Additionally, they mentioned the receipt of stewardship grants that partly fund cattle grazing and other site works, and also noting ongoing efforts to seek external funding for specific projects as part of the management plan’s work programme.

Members also questioned the effectiveness and cost efficiency of using contractors for scrub control, suggesting that supporting local volunteers, specifically the friends of Croxley Common Moor, with tools and publicity, could achieve better results and community engagement. In response, officers explained that while volunteers are enthusiastic and contribute significantly, the scale and intensity of the scrub work required exceed their capacity, especially since many volunteers lack training or licensing to use power equipment. The contractors are necessary to do the high-level scrub clearance that volunteers cannot do, particularly given restrictions like nesting seasons. In addition, volunteers’ manual clearing cannot keep pace with scrub growth, justifying the budget allocations for contractor services.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation, with an amendment to include the Associate Director for Environment in the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Jon Tankard.

On being put to the committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That the Climate Change & Leisure Committee:

Adopt the new five-year Management Plan for Croxley Common Moor.

Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Associate Director for Environment to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding to facilitate works to support the implementation of the Management Plans.

That public access to the report be immediate.

A new ten-year management plan has been developed for The Withey Beds in Rickmansworth. The new plan contains management actions over the next ten years from financial year April 2025 until March 2035. The detailed actions relate to habitats and wildlife improvements for biodiversity, management of the wet woodland and a requirement for external funding in order to replace a smaller section of the current boardwalk.

Recommendation

That the Climate Change and Leisure Committee:

       i.          Adopt the new ten-year Management Plan for The Withey Beds.

      ii.          Give delegated authority to the Director of Finance to enter into a contract or funding agreement above the value of £25,000, subject to securing external funding to facilitate works to support the implementation of the Management Plans.

The Leisure Assets Manager introduced the report, which was followed by a presentation on the ecological importance and conservation efforts of the Withey Beds, by the Natural Infrastructure Programme Manager.

Mrs. Jillian Christensen spoke on the item emphasising the importance of retaining the existing boardwalk, even if temporarily closed, to allow for phased reopening, reduce environmental impact, and save demolishing costs.

Concerns were raised about the Withey Bed’s pillbox’s preservation, its role as a bat habitat, and the impact of bats on the structure. Members enquired about maintenance protection, and educational opportunities related to the pillbox. The importance of restoring and maintaining the 240-meter path around the site is emphasised, highlighting its role in public access and education while protecting the habitat. Funding challenges were discussed, including the high cost of replacing the deteriorating wooden boardwalk with more durable composite materials.

Officers advised that external funding had been sought for two years, securing partial funding of £75,000, which prioritises habitat restoration alongside infrastructure. The discussion also covered the limitations of using Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for this project and the active engagement with parish councils and partners to seek financial support.

The Chair spoke about a long-standing commitment to preserve pillboxes within the district, referencing past efforts, and expressed his willingness to take proactive steps by consulting with the Three Rivers Museum for expert advice.

Officers argued the importance of maintaining areas where nature can be the priority, though such places are rare due to frequent human interaction. They highlighted the health benefits of engaging with nature while advocating for careful management to protect natural habitats in the area. They also raised concerns about the public creating informal footpaths, and as a result, damaging sensitive areas. They emphasised the importance of formalised routes to minimise harm. Officers also explained the importance of the management of invasive species and natural processes like the decay of trees.

While acknowledging improvements to biodiversity, Members emphasised their concern about the importance of the boardwalk in directing visitors, especially in sensitive areas like near the pillbox, which now has bats in it. They worried that without proper guidance, visitors might wander and cause harm to the landscape. They also raised concerns about the potential damage caused by removing the boardwalk itself. Members suggested retaining part of the existing boardwalk to minimise disruption and reduce removal costs, pending health and safety approval. This approach could allow for better funding allocation towards extending and replacing sections of the boardwalk, ensuring safer and more controlled visitor access.

The Chair then summarised that the plan will be revised to incorporate the points raised and will be circulated to the committee and to the Friends of the Withey Bed for review within a week. The Chair also requested this to be included in the recommendation.

Further points were then raised emphasising the importance of incorporating the replacement costs into the plan. Officers responded by explaining the challenges of specifying a fixed amount for the boardwalk replacement in the recommendation,  ...  view the full minutes text for item CCLC7/25

This report seeks approval of the Hertfordshire Local Retrofit Strategy (Appendix 2), which will formalise a structured approach to retrofit coordination, funding applications, and project delivery in alignment with the Commitment to Retrofit (Appendix 1), endorsed by a majority of members of the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP) on 27^th March 2025.

Recommendation

That Members agree to:

       i.          To approve TRDC formally endorsing and adopting the Hertfordshire Retrofit Commitment (Appendix 1)  and Strategy (appendix 2) to facilitate knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and funding collaboration across local authorities and other key stakeholders in Hertfordshire.

      ii.          To note the development of the action plan within the Strategy, which will be refined through multi-agency collaboration to establish a robust, long-term delivery model.

     iii.          To note that officer time may be required to support the development of the Hertfordshire Retrofit body and the Action Plan.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Manager introduced the report.

Members emphasised the importance of collaboration to expand retrofitting efforts and accelerate the process. Increasing the number of local builders proficient in retrofitting is crucial to reducing costs and improving efficiency. Additionally, working together could lead to cheaper materials and broader benefits for homeowners, despite current funding limitations.

Members also raised some concerns about the high costs associated with retrofitting, particularly comparing the expense and lifespan of heat pumps versus traditional gas boilers, emphasising the financial burden on working class household. There is a concern about the Council potentially committing to significant financial obligations without clear cost transparency. Officers responded by clarifying that bulk purchasing schemes are facilitator-led and not funded directly by the Council, citing examples like the Solar Together project and Transition Streets programme where collective homeowner action enables cost savings. The retrofit strategy targets homeowners who are financially able to pay, encouraging access to financing options such as green mortgages and loans. Grants like the Warmer Homes grant are acknowledged as current funding sources for the private sector, but future funding streams remain uncertain. Furthermore, officers spoke about past initiatives such as conducting surveys and retrofit projects that have seen some success, with 23 residents making home improvements. The transition is difficult, with upfront costs being a significant barrier, although a £7,500 grant is available to all households to help offset air source heat pump installations. They noted that the second time a heat pump is installed is less expensive as radiators and insulation are often improved when a heat pump is installed, but these adaptations will not be required the second time. Officers also confirmed that there is no financial commitment required from the Council or residents and emphasised that the strategy focuses on collaboration across public and private sectors, including local authorities, housing associations, builders and education providers. The strategy aims to make retrofit more affordable and accessible without prescribing specific measures. Additionally, there was a significant emphasis on addressing the skills gap in the workforce to support retrofit work, highlighting the importance of upskilling and local employment creation.

It was noted that while current technology like air source heat pumps may not be suitable for every home, advancements are moving rapidly. The high costs are attributed to the marginal cost of electricity rather than the technology not being green.

Councillor Jon Tankard moved the recommendation as set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Raj Khiroya.

On being put to the committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That Members agree to:

1. To approve TRDC formally endorsing and adopting the Hertfordshire Retrofit Commitment (Appendix 1) and Strategy (appendix 2) to facilitate knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and funding collaboration across local authorities and other key stakeholders in Hertfordshire.
2. To note the development of the action plan within the Strategy, which will be refined through multi-agency collaboration to establish a robust, long-term delivery model.
3. To note that officer time may  ...  view the full minutes text for item CCLC8/25

This report proposes that rooftop solar PV is installed at South Oxhey Leisure Centre, funded by council capital budget and repaid through a Power Purchase Agreement1 with Sports and Leisure Management Ltd (SLM).

This report recommends that the Outline Business Case (OBC) is recommended to Policy & Resources Committee.

This report provides background context and a high-level overview of the OBC, which can be found in Appendix 1.

Recommendation

That:

       i.          The Climate Change and Leisure Committee recommend officers seek contractor quotations and then recommend the OBC to the Policy & Resources Committee.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Manager introduced the report.

Members expressed strong support for this project. They highlighted the financial viability of the project, noting that it pays for itself quickly and can generate positive returns that may be reinvested into capital funding. Emphasis was placed on the strategic importance of energy independence, reducing reliance on electricity imports from other countries, and aligning with sustainability goals. Members advocated for moving forward with procurement while continuing to review repayment details.

Members discussed that the rooftop solar has a break-even point of approximately four to four and a half years, while the car park solar canopy reaches break even after nine years. Officers explained that the solar panels come with a typical warranty of 25 years, and the inverter has a shorter warranty 10 - 25 years, with a potential replacement cost factored into the business case, or extended warranties secured. A full structural survey of the roof will be conducted to ensure its suitability and to assess maintenance needs. Roof maintenance, excluding solar related issues, is covered under the SLM contract. The solar canopy project is still under feasibility review, supported by grant funding, and is considered a separate initiative. The rooftop solar project is prioritised based on previous studies and feasibility findings. Members expressed approval of concentrating on the roof rather than the canopy, noting prior reservation about the latter. Members asked about the payback period and investment viability, comparing the current project to the previous one at William Penn. Officers responded by highlighting the fact that unlike the William Penn project, which was funded by a Sport England grant, the current roof project lacks grant funding and must be financially self-sustaining. Despite this, usage patterns and operational times of the leisure centre appear similar, suggesting that the payback period for the current investment would be comparable to what it would have been for William Penn if it has required full payment. Members noted concerns about the deterioration of panel efficiency after 25 years and questioned if this has been accounted for in the business case. Officers responded that while the current business case typically spans 25 years, modern solar panels can last up to 40 years, potentially providing additional benefits beyond the initial period. There was also mention of a possible future report to the Council recommending repowering or replacing the panels when efficiency declines, although such long-term planning is currently uncertain.

The Chair read out the recommendation and requested that the abbreviation OBC be changed to Outline Business Case in the recommendation.

Councillor Jon Tankard moved the recommendation with the amendment, seconded by Councillor Raj Khiroya.

On being put to the committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

1. The Climate Change and Leisure Committee recommend officers seek contractor quotations and then recommend the Outline Business Case to the Policy & Resources Committee.

To receive the Committee’s Work programme.

The Committee reviewed the work programme generated from the report writing system, noting that it is still being updated early in the municipal year. Officers confirmed plans to present a progress report on the Aquadrome project at the October Climate Change & Leisure Committee meeting, including lottery bid outcomes and capital works updates. Members discussed the desire for a rolling 12-month work programme to improve planning and transparency. Officers clarified that the nature of the work programme is fluid due to unforeseen reports such as funding bids and government policies. Officers suggested creating a manually updated work programme after each meeting to ensure actions are tracked and not forgotten, with agreement for the Committee Officer to circulate this list to the committee.

In response to a question regarding the absence of any housing reports on the committee’s agenda, the Chair clarified that the housing portfolio had been removed from this committee and is now under a different committee.

RESOLVED:

To receive the Committee’s Work programme.

None

If the Committee wishes to consider the remaining item in private, it will be appropriate for a resolution to be passed in the following terms:-

“that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined under paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act. It has been decided by the Council that in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

(Note:  If other confidential business is approved under item 3, it will also be necessary to specify the class of exempt or confidential information in the additional items.)