Policy EBC
32: River Environment and Access
A.The Plan safeguards the River Thames and its immediate environs (as shown on map 18)). Developmentto enable the recreational use of the river.will be supported where:
there is no unacceptable ecological, biodiversity, visual, landscape impact on the river and its setting; andaccess to the river would be preserved or enhanced; andthe scheme would not compromise future provision of riverside paths, or prevent existing or potential future public access
- The Parish has a long boundary along the Thames. Access via Farmoor is via a paid car park or by foot which is not accessible to mobility scooters or buggies. The Parish Council has the aim of improving limited public access to the river. The policy protects the river and environs and enables only development to support recreational use
, where it does not compromise the river environment or potential to improve access.National decision-making policies protecting the river environment will continue to apply. - Since the adoption of the Neighbourhood Plan in 2021, the environmental condition of the River Thames has markedly declined. Reports from the Environmental Agency and local observation confirm an increase in pollution from wastewater discharges, particularly from combined sewer overflows operated by water companies, as well as nutrient enrichment from surrounding land uses. These issues are recognized at the national level as part of a wider challenge affecting England’s watercourses. While Policy EBC3 is retained in its existing form, this Neighbourhood Plan review acknowledges the urgent need to restore and improve water quality and supports actions to deliver long-term improvements. The Parish Council encourages collaborative work with local stakeholders, including Thames Water, the Environment Agency, riparian landowners, and recreational users, to help restore the Thames to a healthier condition.