Policy information sourced from the Bexley Local Plan
DP19: The River Thames and the Thames Policy Area
- The Thames Policy Area is defined on the Policies Map.
- Development proposals for riverside sites should investigate the potential for full or part realigned flood defences prior to commencement of site planning, and are required to:
- follow the strategies for water management set out in the TE2100 Plan and subsequent updates;
- enhance the relationship between the development site and the Thames; and,
- contribute to the completion of the Thames Path, a continuous public riverside footpath and cycleway, including safeguarding existing or providing new access points to the riverside path.
- The Council encourages improving the efficiency and promoting the sustainability of waterborne freight movements, including waste transfer and aggregates handling, on the Thames. Viable wharves are safeguarded for such uses through a Direction by the Secretary of State.
- Proposals in the Thames Policy Area should pay attention to their impacts on the ecology of the River Thames, and on its priority habitats and protected species. Ecological enhancements will be sought from all proposals; development directly adjacent to the River should look to enhance essential fish habitats and reduce the risk of invasive species.
- The Council will encourage improved access to nature across the Thames Policy Area. Opportunities should be sought to link proposed and existing wildlife corridors, including the Ridgeway Link, Thames Marshes corridor, Thamesmead Link and the River Thames itself, and integrating these networks with pedestrian and cycle paths where appropriate.
- Habitat creation and enhancement will be promoted. Opportunities should also be sought for related enhancements to visitor’s centres and other facilities. Habitat creation along the Thames should aim to improve the area’s flood resilience and water management.
For more information please see the Bexley Local Plan