Assessment of Boatyard Facilities on the River Thames - Mayor of ...

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6.6 One way forward could be to facilitate provision <strong>of</strong> improved facilities through
public investment in physical infrastructure that is liked to training opportunities.
Possible sites are identified in Section 5.
Conclusion
6.7 Our findings show that policy 4.C.18 <strong>of</strong> the London Plan 2004 has been
effectively implemented by London boroughs to protect boatyards on the River
Thames. This success indicates that there is not at the moment a case to justify the
statutory protection <strong>of</strong> boatyards. However, the Policy 4.C.18 has been in place for
only a few years and continued vigilance will be necessary to ensure that facilities are
retained.
6.8 The report also shows a 20% overall increase in commercial craft 1999 –
2006 and a 25% increase in the number <strong>of</strong> Class 5 passenger vessels licenced by the
MCA. Our view is that simply protecting existing boatyard facilities through the
application <strong>of</strong> planning policies is not in itself sufficient to meet the maintenance
needs <strong>of</strong> the growing fleet in use on the River Thames.
6.9 To ensure that the Mayor’s objectives for the Blue Ribbon network are met
we consider that it will be necessary to identify a new site for boatyard facilities in a
Thames side location as described in paragraphs 5.14 – 5.16. Our recommendations
are set out in full as part <strong>of</strong> the executive summary at the beginning <strong>of</strong> this report.
6.10 Paragraphs 2.10 to 2.12 set out the boatyard facilities that are available for
private boat owners. These comprise the 16 boatyards in Table 2.3 that mainly
undertake work for private boat owners. In addition the 7 boatyards in Table 2.1 used
by commercial boat operators also provide services for private boat operators. There
is a larger number and variety <strong>of</strong> facilities available for privately owned boats than for
commercially operated vessels. The provision <strong>of</strong> additional facilities for privately
owned boats should be encouraged as part <strong>of</strong> regeneration proposals on waterfront
sites in accordance with the Blue Ribbon policies <strong>of</strong> the London Plan 2004. The
pressing need, however, is for improved facilities for commercial vessels.
<strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Boatyard</strong> <strong>Facilities</strong> on the River Thames Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd - April 2007