Policy information sourced from The London Plan 2021

SI 17 Protecting and enhancing London’s waterways

Development Plans should support river restoration and biodiversity improvements.

Development proposals that facilitate river restoration, including opportunities to open culverts, naturalise river channels, protect and improve the foreshore, floodplain, riparian and adjacent terrestrial habitats, water quality as well as heritage value, should be supported. Development proposals to impound and narrow waterways should be refused.

Development proposals should support and improve the protection of the distinct open character and heritage of waterways and their settings.

Development proposals into the waterways, including permanently moored vessels, should generally only be supported for water-related uses or to support enhancements of water-related uses.

Development proposals along London’s canal network, docks, other rivers and water space (such as reservoirs, lakes and ponds) should respect their local character, environment and biodiversity and should contribute to their accessibility and active water-related uses. Development Plans should identify opportunities for increasing local distinctiveness and recognise these water spaces as environmental, social and economic assets.

On-shore power at water transport facilities should be considered at wharves and residential moorings to help reduce air pollution.