Policy SI 17 — Protecting and enhancing London’s waterways

Policy SI 17 Protecting and enhancing London’s waterways A Development Plans should support river restoration and biodiversity improvements. B 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. C Development proposals should support and improve the protection of the distinct open character and heritage of waterways and their settings. D 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. E 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. F On-shore power at water transport facilities should be considered at wharves and residential moorings to help reduce air pollution. 9.17.1 London’s rivers have been significantly altered from their natural state. River restoration seeks to enhance their biodiversity, water quality and amenity value. The London Rivers Action Plan, [176] and the Catchment Partnerships [177] which support the Thames River Basin Management Plan, identify many opportunities for river restoration, as well as showing examples that have been implemented around London. 9.17.2 Generally, permanently-moored vessels and development into waterways should only be permitted for water-related uses. However, ancillary uses, such as bars and restaurants (for example ancillary to a passenger pier), can support enhancements of water-related uses, as well as improve access to or along waterways and related public realm. Ancillary uses can also add to the diversity, vibrancy and regeneration of waterways, in particular in basins or docks. The specific siting of such facilities requires careful consideration so that navigation, hydrology, biodiversity and the character, access to, and use of waterways is not compromised. The waterways should not be used as an extension of developable land in London, nor should parts be a continuous line of moored craft. 9.17.3 Pollution from vessels should be minimised in terms of emissions from vessels and related land-side infrastructure. A baseline is being established jointly with key stakeholders including TfL and the PLA, along with appropriate measures and investment to minimise impact. This includes the requirement in this policy to consider providing on-shore power at wharves and moorings. 9.17.4 Development proposal should protect and promote the vitality, attractiveness and historical interest of London’s remaining dock areas . Navigation [147] The Control of Dust and Emissions During Construction and Demolition Supplementary Planning Guidance, Mayor of London, 2014 [148] Air Quality Standards Regulations, 2010 (or subsequent revisions thereof), http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1001/contents/made [149] Land-Use Planning & Development Control: Planning for Air Quality, Institution of Air Quality Management, 2017, http://www.iaqm.co.uk/text/guidance/air-quality-planning-guidance.pdf . This guidance indicates that even very small impacts on ambient air quality cannot be considered ‘negligible’ where existing levels are within 5% of limits. [150] See Glossary [151] Where zero-carbon is used in the Plan it refers to net zero-carbon – see Glossary for definition. [152] Building Regulations 2013. If these are updated, the policy threshold will be reviewed. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/conservation-of-fuel-and-power-approved-document-l [153] Carbon’ is used in the London Plan as a shorthand term for all greenhouse gases. London’s carbon accounting is measured in carbon dioxide equivalent, which includes the conversion of other greenhouse gases into their equivalent carbon dioxide emissions. [154] Building Regulations 2013. If these are updated, the policy threshold will be reviewed. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/conservation-of-fuel-and-power-approved-document-l [155] Boroughs should develop a price for offsetting carbon using either a nationally recognised carbon pricing mechanism or a price based on the cost of offsetting carbon across the borough. A nationally recognised non-traded price of £95/tonne has been tested as part of the viability assessment for the London Plan which boroughs may use to collect offset payments. [156] For examples see London Environment Strategy 2018. [157] This will build on the 2014 Sustainable Design and Construction SPG. [158] London Heat Map, https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/energy/london-heat-map [159] Based on data from London Energy and Greenhouse Gas Inventory (LEGGI) https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/leggi [160] Achieve at least a 12.5% improvement over defined baseline performance standard [161] Planning Practice Guidance: Paragraph 014 of ‘Housing: optional technical standards’, DCLG, 27 March 2015. Where there is a clear local need, local planning authorities can set out Local Plan policies requiring new dwellings to meet the tighter Building Regulations’ Optional Requirement of 110 litres per person per day. [162] http://www.europeanwaterlabel.eu/thelabel.asp [163] Based on the EU definition of municipal waste being household waste and other waste similar in composition to household waste. This includes business waste collected by local authorities and by the private sector. [164] All inert excavation waste should be used for beneficial uses. [165] https://wLondon Plan Policy SI 17 · official source →