Policy information sourced from City of London Local Plan

CS9: Thames and the Riverside

To ensure that the City capitalises on its unique riverside location, sustaining the river’s functional uses in transport, navigation and recreation, whilst minimising risks to the City’s communities from flooding, by:

  1. Designating the Thames Policy Area and preparing and keeping under review an area appraisal which identifies the attributes of the area and gives guidance on development within this area.
  2. Ensuring that buildings and spaces on or near the riverside contribute to sustainable economic growth and further the aims of the Riverside Walk Enhancement Strategy, particularly through:
    • protecting public access and river views along the riverside walk and securing completion of the riverside walk at Queenhithe;
    • improving access to the river and riverside walk from the rest of the City and the Thames bridges;
    • improving the vibrancy of the riverside by encouraging a mix of appropriate commercial uses and promoting office-led commercial development, whilst preserving privacy, security and amenity for residents, businesses and other stakeholders;
    • improving opportunities for biodiversity, in line with the City of London Habitat Action Plan for the Thames foreshore.
  3. Supporting and safeguarding sites for the construction of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, including connection of the Fleet combined sewer outflow, resulting in reduced storm water discharges into the River Thames and improved water quality.
  4. Promoting the functional uses of the River Thames and its environs for transport, navigation and recreation, particularly through:
    • retaining Walbrook Wharf for waterborne freight traffic;
    • encouraging the use of the River Thames for the transport of construction and deconstruction materials and waste;
    • retaining Blackfriars Pier, and access to Tower Pier, and encouraging the reinstatement of Swan Lane Pier and the use of these facilities for river transport. Applications to remove these facilities will be refused unless suitable replacement facilities of an equivalent or higher standard are provided;
    • maintaining London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Southwark Bridge and the Millennium Bridge;
    • refusing development on or over the River, except for structures which specifically require a waterside location for river-related uses;
    • resisting the permanent mooring of vessels; if moored vessels are exceptionally permitted they must be of national importance, have a special connection with the City and the River Thames, be used for a river-related purpose and not have a detrimental impact on navigation, river regime or environment;
    • maintaining access points to the River Thames foreshore, from both land and water, for public or private use as appropriate, subject to health and safety and environmental safeguards.

For more information please see the Local Plan