Policy information sourced from the Westminster City Plan

31. Waterways and waterbodies

A: Proposals alongside or affecting water should support the creation of a network of high-quality water spaces which promotes biodiversity and the use of Westminster’s waterways and waterbodies for sport, leisure, recreational and educational uses as well as for water-based transportation.

B: Development along waterways or adjacent to waterbodies and within the Thames Policy Area must address their waterfront location in terms of access and design. Water-related and waterfront enhancing uses will be encouraged and the loss of such existing uses resisted. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be improved through enhancements to waterside towpaths and footpaths.

DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING WATERWAYS AND WATERBODIES

C: Development that builds into or over waterways will only be acceptable if it is a water-related or water dependant use at appropriate locations. Transport related structures, projects of strategic importance to London, or major water related infrastructure will be supported only where an overriding strategic case for such development can be demonstrated.

D: In assessing development proposals affecting Westminster’s waterways and waterbodies, the council will have regard to the Thames River Basin Management Plan, the Marine Policy Statement and the emerging South East Marine Plan.

PIER FACILITIES

E: Improvements to pier facilities will be encouraged as part of new development along the River Thames. Proposals for new or enlarged piers should improve accessibility for passengers, and not impact adversely on other land-side functions. MOORINGS

F: Residential and commercial moorings and facilities for boaters on Westminster’s canals will be encouraged in appropriate locations as long as:

  • they do not negatively impact on navigation, water quality, the openness and character of the water space and the amenity of surrounding residents;
  • they will not hinder navigation; and
  • they can be satisfactorily serviced by utility services and the road network.

G: Proposals for permanent moorings on the River Thames will:

  • enhance the character and appearance of the riverside and be open to the public;
  • not compromise views of the river, the World Heritage Site and other heritage assets and their settings;
  • not hinder navigation or jeopardise the long-term use of pier recesses;
  • not compromise the integrity of the River Thames flood defences or the ability to raise them in the future in line with the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan; and
  • not negatively impact the intertidal foreshore defined and protected within the London Biodiversity Action Plan and, where feasible, provide improvements to intertidal habitats. Where required, developers should provide appropriate mitigation measures that will preserve the continued dynamism and biodiversity value of the foreshore

For more information please see the City Plan