Safeguarded Wharves Review 2011/2012

7 OCTOBER 2011

The Mayor has published for comment a consultation document setting out the results of a review of the safeguarding of wharves on London's waterways. This review - conducted by the Mayor with project partners Transport for London, the Port of London Authority and British Waterways - updates the 2005 London Plan Implementation Report on safeguarded wharves.

This consultation report includes long term water freight trade forecasts and associated wharf capacity requirements and distribution to 2031. The work on capacity is complemented by assessments of existing wharves based on the viability test set out in paragraph 7.77 of the London Plan. The document concludes with an overview of proposed ways to address identified future capacity surpluses and deficits and recommendations for the future safeguarding or release of individual wharves.

A three month consultation period ran until 7 January 2012. This draft document will then be reviewed in the light of the comments received and discussions during the consultation period. The final new safeguarded wharves document will be produced and is expected to be sent to the Secretary of State with the recommendations for the required changes to the safeguarding Directions by early spring 2012.