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

13 Many <strong>of</strong> the operators spoken to in the course <strong>of</strong> this study have identified
the need for a dedicated modern facility to maintain vessels in or adjoining Greater
London.
14 Our findings indicate that the deficiency <strong>of</strong> modern facilities for the larger
vessels is the most important issue. This was a matter raised by consultees in the
2000 study for the PLA but it has become a bigger issue due to the growing numbers
<strong>of</strong> larger vessels and the more intensive use that is being made <strong>of</strong> them.
There is a larger range and number <strong>of</strong> boatyard facilities available for private
boat owners than for commercial operators
15 There are 16 boatyards (see Table 2.3) that mainly undertake work for private
boat owners. In addition the 7 boatyards that are 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.
London Plan Policy 4C.18
Recommendations
1 The success <strong>of</strong> the implementation <strong>of</strong> Policy 4.C.18 in protecting boatyards
should be noted. Continued vigilance is necessary in the use <strong>of</strong> this policy to ensure
that boatyards are actively protected and improved as working facilities and not
simply retained in developments to provide heritage features.
A site for a new boatyard to maintain passenger boats, support vessels and
river piers
2 Simply seeking to protect existing facilities will not ensure that there is
adequate capacity to meet the maintenance requirements <strong>of</strong> Thames based
passenger boats, tugs and barges. The Mayor should seek to identify a site for a new
boatyard to serve the maintenance needs <strong>of</strong> larger passenger vessels, piers
(principally those operated by London River Services) and support vessels. Possible
sites include:
• land allocated for marine industry at Gallions Point Marina / Newham College in
the Royal Albert Basin Development Framework that is adopted by Newham
Council as supplementary planning guidance (this site is subject to the
constraints <strong>of</strong> being in the public safety zone <strong>of</strong> London City Airport);
• wharves that are no longer viable for cargo, such as Minoco Wharf, Silvertown,
London E16; and
• sites that are located in or adjoining areas occupied by industry or infrastructure
that are unsuited for housing and hence do not present problems <strong>of</strong> high land
values or the potential for complaints by residential neighbours. Indicative
locations are suggested in paragraph 5.15.
Action should be taken to improve the availability <strong>of</strong> facilities for emergency
repair
3 The more intensive use <strong>of</strong> public passenger vessels increases the need for
emergency repair – for example to free fouled propellers or to replace damaged
<strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Boatyard</strong> <strong>Facilities</strong> on the River Thames Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd - April 2007
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