New River Pier For Wandsworth Approved

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For river taxis and moorings at Plantation Wharf

Wandsworth Council Planning Committee has approved the application for a river taxi pier and moorings at Plantation Wharf, Battersea Reach.

The pier would service river taxi passengers from a number of apartment blocks and hotels along the river upstream and downstream of Wandsworth Bridge, including Battersea Reach, Plantation Wharf, Riverside West, Bridges Wharf, Candlemakers, Oyster Wharf, and Falcon Wharf, and Hotels Verta and Rafayel.

The developers of these properties have been enthusiastic supporters of the
idea, as have Jane Ellison, MP for Battersea, and local councillors as well as many residents.

Richard Tracey, London Assembly Member for Wandsworth and the Mayor's
Ambassador for River Transport, has also welcomed news. He points out that The Heliport is close by and believes river taxis could serve arriving and departing passengers there too. Mr Tracey said: "For some time I, together with my MP and councillor colleagues, have received comments that there should be a river taxi stop at Battersea for riverside dwellers and the many others living 10 to 15 minutes walk away. The currently crowded trains at Wandsworth Town and Clapham Junction have made many wish for more comfortable river transport, even if the cost might be higher. Oyster is now accepted on most London river taxis. I have conducted various surveys, by letter and online, and the response has always been positive.

"I am pleased that the river is a key part of the council's transport policies and
this will be a great step forward."

February 21, 2012