Policy information sourced from the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.

NE9.3: Blue Infrastructure Network

Development proposals in close proximity to watercourses must support the strategic importance of Watford’s blue infrastructure network and seek to maximise its multifunctional environmental, social and economic benefits. Where development is adjacent to a watercourse, proposals are expected to contribute to the Thames River Basin Management Plan (TRBMP) in achieving ‘good’ ecological status as defined by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives. Development proposals in close proximity to, or that include a watercourse must:

  • Maintain an undeveloped and unobstructed buffer strip of eight metres from the top of the bank of any Main River and any new development (including formal landscaping, sports fields, footpaths, lighting and fencing). Buffer zones should be natural in character, distinct from the built environment, with no light pollution greater than 2 lux, and with native species. Proposals should be accompanied by a management plan;
  • Conserve and enhance the biodiversity value of the watercourse and its corridor by including Water Framework Directive action measures within the proposal. Action measures could include but are not limited to, in-channel enhancements, the creation of priority wetland habitats, addressing misconnections and the eradication and management of Invasive Non-Native Species;
  • Enhance the role of watercourse corridors as an accessible active travel and leisure route for pedestrians, cyclists and boaters, and increase connectivity along the length of the watercourse. This includes connectivity and access, where appropriate, to the green infrastructure network;
  • Integrate the watercourse into the scheme as a vital part of the public realm; and
  • Open and re-naturalise modified watercourses, including culverted and piped waterways. New proposals for culverting will be refused and there is a presumption against the use of hard engineering, including gabions. A Water Framework Directive assessment should be submitted as part of proposals and should include an assessment of the works needed to prevent future flooding, in addition to how the proposal will impact Water Framework Directive status.

The provision of crossings and bridges will be supported where they improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, are in keeping with the setting of the area, and are designed to avoid obstructing flood flows and damage to a watercourse.

Flood Zones 2 and 3 are defined on the Policies Map.

For more information, please see the Watford Local Plan 2021-2038.