LewishamLewisham RiversRivers Presentation Presentation Michael Forrester / Helen Milner Lewisham’s Rivers • River Thames frontage • Deptford Creek • Ravensbourne • Quaggy - Lewisham • Kid Brooke – Lee Green / Blackheath • Pool River - Sydenham Regeneration and Growth Areas • Where highest development pressure is Planning Policy How to do it NPPF para 109 “The Planning System should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes”. Pre-application / Planning Performance Agreement - Promote importance of river/ waterfront - Ensure engagement with the Environment Agency/ Port of London Authority/ Local Stakeholders - Secure this within PPA Securing improvement • S106 – restrict commencement and occupation. • Conditions Deptford Creek Current situation and challenges Kent Wharf Sun Wharf •Inaccessible riverfront Faircharm •Previously/ current industrial uses •Developments turn their back to the river • Development pressures •What is a Creek? The vision – Deptford Creekside Charette •Not part of the Development Plan but is used to inform development. •Promotes long term use and management of the Creek – access/ moorings/ transport •Promotes river as a ‘layer’ within development, rather than an obstacle or constraint. Kent and Sun Wharves and Faircharm •Successful masterplan achieved at Kent and Sun Wharf– public access •Faircharm – new routes through to the Creek •Landscaping appropriate to creek setting •Continuous un-gated creek side access. •Provides space for the EA to maintain flood defences. •New homes and commercial floorspace Lewisham Gateway Current situation • The confluence of the Rivers is within the centre of Lewisham where there are many competing demands on space • Where the rivers are not culverted they are neither accessible or integrated within the public realm. • The river channels could/should contribute more to the natural environment The vision – Lewisham Gateway Vision: Create an area of urban regeneration that interacts with the natural environment. This kind of relationship does not exist in Lewisham at present. The area’s most significant natural feature, the confluence between the River Quaggy with the River Ravensbourne, is hidden as it lies 4m below existing ground levels. Gateway •Links the stations with Lewisham town centre •New pedestrian-friendly routes to the north and west •Opening up the rivers Quaggy and Ravensbourne to create an attractive riverside park – Confluence Place •New light, open and safe shop- lined pedestrian routes .