Policy information sourced from the Bexley Local Plan

DP18: Waterfront development and development including, or close to, flood defences

  1. All development proposals adjacent to rivers and other watercourses such as lakes, ditches and dikes will be required, where appropriate, to:
    • activate space to and along the waterfront;
    • maintain existing public access to and along the water and/or provide new access to and along the water where none exists;
    • create residential moorings and visitor moorings to accommodate suitable vessels;
    • enhance the appearance and quality of the water space including:
      • de-culverting watercourses and naturalising the river channel;
      • using green infrastructure to improve water quality where possible;
      • improving nature conservation value for wildlife;
      • improving visual connections with important features, considering the design and landscaping of the adjacent area; and
      • preserving the openness and character of the water spaces.
    • provide suitable setbacks from water space edges to mitigate flood risks, protect and enhance biodiversity, and to allow waterside walkways and cycle paths;
    • improve river walls and embankments, taking into account sea level rise, and/or fluvial, ground water and surface water flood risks;
    • promote safety along the water’s edge, including the provision of riparian lifesaving equipment; and,
    • avoid the loss of water spaces.
  2. Development proposals should not adversely affect:
    • the integrity of the waterway or watercourse structure;
    • the quality of the water;
    • levels of pollution due to unauthorised discharges and run off or encroachment;
    • the landscape, heritage, ecological quality or habitat continuity and character of the waterways;
    • the waterway’s potential for being fully unlocked; or
    • the use of the waterway network.

For more information please see the Bexley Local Plan