A report is calling for extra moorings to be create along London's waterways to help address the Capital's housing crisis.
Extra moorings and facilities could tackle hotspots of overcrowding as increasing numbers of Londoners are turning to living on the water, according to a report from the London Assembly environment committee.
It states that house prices and rents are rising to record levels in London, and more people are finding life on a boat as a more affordable option, yet the number of moorings and facilities, such as water supply and waste disposal, has not increased in line with demand.
Jenny Jones AM, from the Green Party, said: "There are many different reasons why people might choose to live on our canals or rivers, including it being seen as more affordable than trying to buy property in the capital. But it is not an easy life and boaters must be conscious of their responsibilities.
"We have set out a number of recommendations, including a call for additional moorings, that we think can help address the overcrowding and improve relations between the different people who use the waterways. We urge people to take up our suggestions, and find new ways to work together so the capital’s waterways can continue to be a place for all to enjoy."
London has 100 miles of canals and 42 miles of the River Thames and the report estimates that in the region of 10,000 people could now be living on these.
It highlights how in certain popular temporary moorings the number of boats has doubled since 2011 and boats may be moored up to four deep from the bank. Meanwhile, some permanent mooring sites have waiting lists of several years.
This can contribute to local environmental and nuisance issues such as air and noise pollution from generators, stoves and engines, as well as navigational challenges for those trying to use the waterways. The report emphasises that there need to be local solutions to these issues, worked out by all the people involved including boaters, land residents, navigation authorities, boroughs and other official bodies.
The report recommendations include:
- the Canal and River Trust should look to increase moorings on London’s canals
- planning authorities should ensure waterside developments do not detract from waterway usage, including residential moorings.
- future amendments to the London Plan should include a policy to increase moorings
- the Canal and River Trust should trial community moorings which would be run by a non-profit organisation.
- the Canal and River Trust should review provision of facilities and lighting at existing sites to ensure they are sufficient to cope with demand and review the way moorings are auctioned to make them fairer
- all the relevant authorities should work to engage boating and waterside communities and the different groups should work together to find local solutions to pollution issues.
