Policy DH6
Views and landmarks
The council will protect the strategic view of St Paul's Cathedral and important local views shown on the Policies Map.
Local views afforded by the open nature of the borough's riverfront are important in determining the character of each stretch of the riverside. Many heritage assets are located along the river, and it is important that their setting and relationship with the river is preserved or enhanced.
The council will refuse permission where applications in these views would lead to harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset and townscape generally, unless it can be demonstrated that public benefits outweigh the harm caused. Opportunities for enhancement of strategic and local views will be pursued where they arise.
- Applications within the Thames Policy Area will not be permitted if it would cause unacceptable harm to the view from the following points:
a) from Hammersmith Bridge, the view along the river, foreshore, and riverside development and landscape between Hammersmith Terrace to the west and Fulham Football Ground to the south;
b) from Putney Bridge, the views along the river, foreshore and riverside, extending upstream from All Saints Church and its environs, along Bishops Park as far as Fulham Football Ground, and from Putney Railway Bridge the view downstream to the grounds of the Hurlingham Club; or
c) from Wandsworth Bridge, the view up and downstream of the river, its foreshore and banks, and of commercial wharves and riverside buildings.
- Applications will also not be permitted if it would cause unacceptable harm to the view from within the Thames Policy Area of any of the following important local landmarks identified on the Policies Map, or their settings:
a) Upper and Lower Mall. The richness, diversity and beauty of the historical waterfront which includes Hammersmith Terrace, Kelmscott House and neighbouring group of listed buildings, and the open space of Furnivall Gardens allowing views of the skyline of Hammersmith and the spire of St. Paul's Church;
b) Bishops Park. The parallel avenues of mature London plane trees and dense shrubbery which define the character of this important open space and the riverfront;
c) grounds of the Hurlingham Club. The landscaped edge of the grounds providing glimpsed views to the listed Hurlingham House;
d) Hammersmith Bridge. This fine example of a suspension bridge is particularly dominant, and is an important landmark along this stretch of the river; or
e) Putney Bridge and the adjacent All Saints Church.
8.39 The London Plan (2021) identifies a set of strategically important views of which one, the linear view from King Henry's Mound in Richmond Park to St Paul's Cathedral crosses the borough.
8.40 The townscape character of the borough is one of generally tight knit streets of domestic scale architecture with irregular street blocks. This urban form, together with effect of the borough's topography, places limitations on the appreciation of mid and long distance views across the area. However, the riverside and open spaces afford some important local key views.
Key views
8.41 The council has identified key views and landmarks on the Policies Map and in the character profiles for the conservation areas. The views identified make a strong contribution to the character of the townscape in any specific location. The preservation of the essential qualities of any view, or indeed the enhancement of those qualities will be sought. The impact of any proposal on these views will therefore form the basis of any evaluation of a proposal affecting heritage assets and other areas of townscape sensitivity.
8.42 Views within the borough are key elements in determining the character of the townscape and contribute to the interest of areas. The council will seek to ensure that proposed development, due to its location, scale and massing, does not harm these views. The council will seek to ensure that significant views in and out of conservation areas are not unacceptably harmed from new development such that the conservation area is preserved or enhanced. Development when viewed from open spaces and along the riverside has great prominence due to the openness of the location and should therefore be of the highest quality. The council will ensure that development which affects the River Thames pays due regard to the riverside's distinctive character, and is of a bulk, massing, scale and appearance which is appropriate to its surroundings.
Riverfront views
8.43 The views afforded by the open nature of the riverfront are important in determining the character of each stretch of the riverside in the conservation areas, and will therefore be crucial in assessing the acceptability or otherwise of development proposals along the river's edge. In line with the London Plan (2016), the council has identified a number of views across and along the river which are important to the local scene, and which are to be protected. The council has included in this list of important views, all river edges of historical significance, corridor views of particular importance and views towards important landmarks. The views towards specific landmarks can be enjoyed from various viewpoints along the riverside. These views will vary in nature and content, as the viewpoint changes. Locations have been marked on the Policies Map which represent the longest viewing point towards each landmark.
Landmarks
8.44 The landmarks identified include bridges, areas of open space, and groups of buildings along a historic riverfront. All have strong links with the river, and it is important that their setting and relationship with the river is preserved. Bridges are particularly important landmarks. They subdivide the river, and help to define the character of each stretch. Furthermore, bridges are important vantage points and command extensive views along the riverside. The council is aware that the landmarks identified are also enjoyed in important views from outside the borough boundary, and will ensure that these are fully considered when assessing the impact of any development which may impact on these views.