Policy information sourced from Lambeth Local Plan 2020-2035.

Q24 River Thames

  • When making proposals fronting the River Thames, or visible from the river or its bridges, applicants should be able to show that their proposals:
    • enhance the character of the river frontage, views from the river and from the opposite bank;
    • preserve the setting and approaches of the Thames bridges;
    • maintain and create publicly accessible spaces/routes along the river for a continuous riverside walkway;
    • are contextual - reinforcing the distinctiveness of the wider city river front;
    • respect the unique character of the Albert Embankment as a piece of historic engineering;
    • protect, restore and enhance the draw dock, slipways, steps, stairs, paving and other historic features associated with the river;
    • reinforce connections from the city to the river;
    • maintain existing access/egress points to and from the river; and
    • recognise the value of the river’s ‘blue infrastructure’ and its connection with adjoining green infrastructure and green corridors.
  • Unless directly related to River transport, development on/in the river itself will be resisted. Proposals for permanent moorings on the River Thames:
    • will only be permitted for uses which require such a location and which support those providing river functions or public access and enjoyment of the river;
    • should not adversely affect the open aspect, historic setting or security of the river frontage, archaeology of the foreshore and historic embankment retaining walls, steps, locks or slipways;
    • should not impede views across the river from the river, the riverside and the bridges, particularly of landmark buildings, especially between the Westminster World Heritage Site and Lambeth Palace, and should be in scale with the river scene;
    • should not have a detrimental impact on navigation, river regime or environment;
    • should have adequate access and arrangements for visitors, drainage, waste disposal and servicing, but not require excessive on-shore areas for servicing; and
    • should be of outstanding architectural or historical importance, or have some special maritime interest.
  • The council will seek retention of all existing river bridges and is supportive in principle of new pedestrian and cycle bridge proposals in appropriate locations, including the Wandsworth to Pimlico pedestrian / cycle bridge.
  • Development fronting the river should provide riparian life-saving equipment where necessary and appropriate.

For more information please see the Local Plan