Policy information sourced from the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part 1

EM3: Blue Ribbon Network

The Council will continue to promote and contribute to the positive enhancement of the strategic river and canal corridors and the associated wildlife and habitats through the Biodiversity Action Plan and the Thames River Basin Management Plan, and developer contributions where appropriate.

The Council will work with the Environment Agency and other interested bodies to continue to enhance the local character, visual amenity, ecology, transportation, leisure opportunities and sustainable access to rivers and canals.

The Council will collaborate with adjacent local authorities to ensure that Hillingdon’s river and canal corridors complement and link with cross boundary corridors.

Implementation of Policy EM3- how we will achieve this

The Council will implement Policy EM3 by:

  • Working with the Environment Agency, British Waterways, Natural England, English Heritage and other partners to develop a strategy for the Grand Union Canal and other Blue Ribbon Networks where they are not currently in place.
  • Working with partners to achieve environmental and habitat improvements in the Colne Valley Regional Park.
  • Work with community partnership groups and Canal and River Trust (formerly British Waterways) to improve facilities and enhance nature along the Grand Union Canal.
  • Conserving and enhancing biodiversity, paying particular regard to priority species and habitats identified in Hillingdon’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
  • Improving access to and the quality of Hillingdon’s river and canal corridors, thereby providing a healthier lifestyle accessible to all.

Monitoring of Policy EM3- how we will measure success

  • Monitoring of the above Policy EM3 will be through the Annual Monitoring Report with a specific link to:
    • E2 (Core) Change in areas of biodiversity importance - i) Preserve the area of wildlife habitats; and ii) Minimise loss of designated areas to development (or any other targets set by Government).
  • NI 189 - Flood risk management indicator.
  • Number of new and improved access points to the river and canal network.
  • Promote biodiversity benchmarking.

For more information please see the Local Plan: Part 1