Policy information sourced from City of London Archaeology and Development Guidance Supplementary Planning Document

Introduction

This document is intended for those undertaking work with an archaeological impact in the City of London. It identifies the standards required of archaeological work within the City. It should be read in conjunction with any brief that is prepared as part of the planning process. It is important that this is followed in order that a planning condition can be judged to have been discharged satisfactorily.

The guidance provides a framework for archaeological projects in the City of London consistent with the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valetta 1992), the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF 2012), the London Plan (2015), the City of London Local Plan (2015) and professional best practice as articulated by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CiFA).

All archaeological projects will be conducted in a scientific manner by properly qualified, experienced and competent archaeologists operating with sufficient resources and time to provide positive outcomes relevant to the specific purpose of the project, and proportionate to the significance of the archaeological interest.

There are several ways in which an archaeological project can deliver positive outcomes:

  • Informing decision-making by identifying the heritage assets present on a site, their significance and the impact of development upon them
  • Informing development design by identifying how harm to heritage assets can be minimised, and opportunities taken to enhance sense of place and local distinctiveness
  • Investigating and recording threatened heritage assets, and publishing the results to advance understanding
  • Enhancing the public enjoyment and understanding of local heritage

This document covers all stages of archaeological work: assessment, evaluation, geotechnical investigations which may affect archaeological remains, archaeological investigation, recording and excavation, post-excavation work, publication and archiving.

In line with other aspects of development, care must be taken to avoid adverse impacts on air and water quality or contamination of soils within or beyond the development site and to exercise the Duty of Care over waste materials arising from the site. Archaeological remains should be monitored to identify the potential for climate change impacts, such as drought, intense rainfall and higher average temperatures, to affect the preservation of remains.

For more information please see the Archaeology and Development Guidance Supplementary Planning Document