Policy information sourced from the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 2
DMEI 8: Waterside Development
Development on sites that adjoin or include a watercourse should:
- have regard to the relevant provisions of the Thames River Basin Management Plan and any other relevant Catchment Management Plans;
- not extend within 8 metres of the top of the bank of a main river or 5 metres either side of an ordinary watercourse or an appropriate width as may be agreed by the Council;
- where feasible, secure the implementation of environmental enhancements to open sections of river or watercourse; and
- where feasible, implement a scheme for restoring culverted sections of river or watercourses which must include an adequate buffer for flooding and maintenance purposes.
Where on-site environmental enhancements or deculverting are financially viable but not feasible, the Council will seek a financial contribution towards relevant projects for the enhancement or deculverting of other sections of rivers or watercourses.
Existing wharves and their access will be protected for continued use.
Proposals that would adversely affect the infrastructure of main rivers and ordinary watercourses, or which fail to secure feasible enhancements or deculverting, will be resisted.
Development located in or adjacent to watercourses should enhance the waterside environment and biodiversity by demonstrating a high design quality which respects the historic significance of the canal and character of the waterway and provides access and improved amenity to the waterfront.
All development alongside or that benefits from a frontage on the Grand Union Canal will be expected to contribute to the improvement of the Canal.
For more information please see the Local Plan: Part 2