Planning Advice

Roman Baths at Wapping Lane, Shadwell ©PCA 

The GLAAS Staff provide advice, based on the information in the Greater London Sites and Monuments Record, on archaeology across London, and in particular where any archaeology is likely to be affected by redevelopment or other activities in 31 of the London boroughs (excluding The City and LB Southwark, which have in-house archaeology advisors).

The service was established with the introduction of Planning Policy Guidance Note 16 ( PPG16, Nov. 1990) on Archaeology and Planning, that set out clearly the role and responsibilities of local planning authorities, and various statutory bodies,  in protecting our archaeological heritage through the planning process.  PPG15   (Sept. 1994) provided similar guidance on the broader built historic environment.

These guidance notes assert the value and importance of the historic environment to our lives and the environment in which we live. Key considerations included adopting suitable policies in local plans, and ensuring their implementation. Good planning decisions need to be based on adequate information provided in support of planning applications. Local authorities have a duty to protect archaeological remains of national importance and empowered to seek the protection of locally valued archaeology. Where preservation is not feasible a suitable permanent record should be secured of any material that is to be destroyed, for future generations.

Further requirements for Environmental Impact Assessments on larger projects, and Strategic Environmental Appraisals of a wide variety of plans, including local plans, all assert the need for consideration of the historic environment at the local level.

Other designation regimes to be taken into account include  World Heritage Sites (there are 4 in London); marine consents that affect the tidal Thames; sites on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, and Register of Historic Battlefields (one in London).

Scheduled Ancient Monuments are handled through Scheduled Monument Consents  under separate legislation Roman City Wall, a Scheduled Ancient Monument ©EH through the Department for Culture Media and Sport, first contact should be with the Inspector for Ancient Monuments, based with EH London Region.

The GLAAS role is therefore primarily to guide local planning authorities, statutory consultees, planning applicants and their agents, as well as the general public, through these various requirements, and to ensure the outcome that our past heritage can be enjoyed in the future.

More details please see The Planning Process - Principle Stages .

^{(Last Updated: 14th Jan. 2008 Robert Whytehead )}