Policy RT3
Development within the Thames policy area
- Development within the Thames Policy Area as shown on the Policies Map will be supported where it:
a) respects the riverside, including the foreshore, context and heritage assets
b) is of a high standard of accessible and inclusive design
c) maintains or enhances the quality of the built, natural and historic environment
d) protects identified strategic and local views
e) creates a sense of place and high-quality public realm along the riverfront, incorporating where appropriate, active frontages
f) p romotes linkages between the riverfront, residential hinterlands and the town centres
g) p rotects and enhances the habitat value and biodiversity of the river; and
h) maintains and where necessary enhances or raises flood defences in the line with the Thames TE2100 Plan.
- The council will require the submission of a design and access statement as part of a planning application within the Thames Policy Area.
10.15 In addition to the general design policies, development on the riverside needs to respect the unique character of the river, having particular regard to the height, massing and bulk of development and its relationship to the river corridor, river walk and/or river edge, its tributaries and foreshore, as well as landward development. The river and much of the riverside is subject to conservation area status, whilst the river itself is a nature conservation area of metropolitan importance and development must protect its ecological value. Development on the riverside should also respect strategic and locally significant views as defined in Local Plan Policy DH6.
Thames Policy Area
10.16 The council will refer to conservation area character profiles and to the 'Thames Strategy – Kew to Chelsea (2002)' to assist in identifying the qualities of the Thames Policy Area, including:
i) the individual character of reaches within the borough;
ii) areas, sites, buildings, structures, landmarks, skylines, landscapes and views of particular sensitivity and importance;
iii) development sites and regeneration opportunities;
iv) sites of ecological importance;
v) sites of archaeological importance;
vi) focal points (existing and proposed) of public activity; and
vii) public access and recreation opportunities.
10.17 The design of riverside developments should contribute to a distinctive and welcoming sense of place, reflecting the unique character of the River Thames and its surrounding context. Good quality public realm is essential to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible riverfront that encourages public use throughout the day and evening. Where appropriate, developments should incorporate active frontages, which animate and add interest, enhance natural surveillance, and encourage footfall to the riverfront. In respect of proposals for tall buildings, further policy guidance is provided in Local Plan Policy DH2.
Linkages and wayfinding
10.18 New riverside development should incorporate measures to improve visual and physical links to adjacent residential areas and the town centres. This can be achieved by good quality through-site links that are safe, legible and accessible and wayfinding principles such as signage and lighting. Where new lighting is provided within the Site of Importance for Nature Conservation designation boundary, this should be sensitively designed to comply with Local Plan Policy CR13 on Light Pollution.
10.19 The council will encourage the greening and naturalising of the river bank and/or flood defences with reference to the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan and the Estuary Edges Design Guidance to create habitats for wildlife and improve the visual attractiveness of the area. Schemes that meet these requirements, and, by their design, contribute to creating an attractive, safe and interesting riparian environment will be welcomed. Where new development adjoins the river, it will be required to enhance or raise flood defences in line with the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan. Further details on these requirements are in Policy CR7.
Design and access statements
10.20 The overall aim is to secure a special quality for all new development on the river and riverside, and where appropriate to enhance the vitality of the riverfront and include river-related uses that attract the public. The design and access statements should include:
- an assessment of scale, mass, height, silhouette, density, layout, materials and colour in relation to the local context, including river frontage;
- impacts on local and strategic views, including views across, along and from the river, the skyline and local landmarks and historic buildings and structures and archaeological remains;
- impacts on navigation, hydrology and ecological interests;
- proposals for river edge treatment, including evidence of the Environment Agency's agreement if the 16m setback for development from the river flood defences is not met and impact on the integrity of flood defences;
- visual and physical permeability and links with the river's hinterland; and
- sections on protecting and enhancing public access to and along the river, landscaping, open spaces and street furniture and lighting.