Policy information sourced from the Elmbridge Development Management Plan
DM22 - Recreational uses of waterways
The Council will promote the recreational use of the Thames, its tributaries and all other water areas including the riverbanks by:
- Resisting the loss of facilities that contribute to their enjoyment, and by encouraging the provision of new facilities and improvement to existing facilities, where the physical capacity of these rivers and environmental (including biodiversity) considerations allow,
- Encouraging recreational use of reservoirs, subject to the effective operation of the reservoir, water safety, health considerations and other planning policies, together with the need to protect areas of nature conservation value. The designation of some reservoirs as sites of national and international biodiversity significance will affect the type and extent of access and recreation uses. Any existing recreational uses of a reservoir if suspended during gravel extraction will require reinstatement,
- Encouraging public access to the river and its banks, the maintenance and improvement of existing provision and seeking opportunities to secure further access improvements and linkages with other green spaces,
- Permitting new hire bases and extensions to existing hire bases for motorised craft on the waterway provided there is no conflict with other users of the riverside and there is no adverse effect on local amenities, wildlife or the environment in general, and
- Permitting further permanent moorings or houseboats provided they protect the appearance of the riverside and do not add to river congestion.
For more information please see the Elmbridge Development Management Plan