Policy information sourced from the Lewisham Local Plan

HE3 Non-designated heritage assets

Strategic Objectives:

A An open Lewisham as part of an open London,

F Celebrating our local identity.

Locally listed buildings and other non-designated assets

A Development proposals will only be supported where they preserve or enhance the significance of a locally listed building or other non-designated heritage asset, and the asset’s setting. In particular, proposals for the sensitive retention, refurbishment and appropriate re-use of non-designated assets will be considered favourably.

B Where proposals harm the significance of a non-designated heritage asset and or its setting the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset will be considered and a balanced judgement will be made having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset.

C Non-designated heritage assets may be identified during the development management process, in line with Policy HE1 (Lewisham’s historic environment) where based on sound evidence.

Areas of Special Local Character

D Within Areas of Special Local Character development proposals must:

  • Preserve the characteristics that contribute to the area’s significance, which may include the spatial, architectural, townscape, landscape or archaeological distinctiveness;
  • Secure the retention of unlisted buildings where these contribute positively to the local distinctiveness of the area; and
  • Ensure development in its setting preserves the area’s special local character.

Archaeology

E Development proposals affecting archaeological interests will be assessed having regard to the impact on the significance of the archaeological asset and its setting. Development proposals should refer to the Greater London Historic Environment Record (GLHER) to assess the likelihood of archaeological deposits being present on a site. Known areas with high likelihood of archaeological deposits are identified as Archaeological Priority Areas (APAs).

F In order to ensure assets are appropriately identified and managed the Council will:

  • Require the necessary level of assessment, investigation and recording, in consultation with the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service (GLAAS) for development proposals that affect, or have the potential to affect Lewisham’s archaeological heritage; and
  • Expect applicants to have sought preapplication advice from GLAAS before designing a programme of archaeological investigation.

G Development proposals that have the potential to affect archaeological interests must be accompanied by an Archaeological Statement, which should be submitted as part of the Heritage Statement and refer to any relevant information in the GLHER. With the advice of GLAAS, the Council may require a further site specific survey and/or intervention. This should be set out in a Written Scheme of Investigation which ensures adequate arrangements for:

  • Investigation, recording, and archiving of assets of archaeological importance, whether of national or local importance;
  • Seeking opportunities to integrate archaeological evidence into the development, including through design and interpretation material; and
  • Public engagement, including dissemination of the findings to further understanding of the historic environment.

H Priority should be given to the preservation and management of an archaeological asset and its setting in situ, commensurate with the significance of the asset. If this is not possible, sites should be excavated, deposits removed, a report produced, significant finds archived and the results disseminated, as required by condition.

I As remains may on occasion come to light unexpectedly, the Council may use conditions to require notification, recording or preservation in the event of remains being found.

For more information and policy context please see the Lewisham Local Plan