London Plan Review Project No.3 – Characterisation of London’s Historic Environment – State of Conservation

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Project Brief No.3: London Plan Review Characterisation of London’s Historic Environment – State of Conservation 1. Project Summary This project will examine the contribution of reports commissioned by London’s boroughs characterising their historic environment. Much of this work has been carried out since the last London Plan Review. Understanding this contribution and the significance of London’s historic environment will be an important part of the evidence base as the next London Plan is developed. It is also an essential framework for local planning and management of the historic environment. This assessment is the principal element of the research project. In addition to providing an overview of borough-level characterisation, the project will report on the coverage of conservation area appraisals and management plans, local guidance on archaeology and heritage asset monitoring, as part of state of conservation reporting and management. 2. Background The London Plan (legally called a Spatial Development Strategy) is currently the only regional plan in England, and provides the strategic planning framework for the future development of London over a 20 year period. The London Plan includes approximately 120 policies including a suite which influence the management of the historic environment. Further Alterations to the London Plan (FALP) were undertaken in 2014, with a revised Plan being adopted in March 2015. Following the publication of the FALP, the Mayor instructed a full review to take place. However a delay to this review will be caused by the Mayoral elections in May 2016. So the first stage of formal consultation is expected to take place in Spring 2017 which will provide an early indication of the direction of travel of the review. A full version of the revised Plan for consultation is expected in Autumn 2017. The inspector’s report on the FALP raised a number of questions about the capacity of London to accommodate all its growth within its existing built confines without placing unacceptable pressures on the city’s communities and environment. ‘The impact on increasing densities on townscapes [including the historic environment]… needs to be considered’ as well accessibility levels. The report notes that ‘town centres are accessible locations but each has its own character which new development should respect’ and large sites should have regard to their surroundings. ‘Meeting the pressing need for housing in London will require new, possibly innovative solutions but care must be taken not to damage its environment such that it becomes an unpleasant place to visit, live and work’. Paragraphs 41, 42, 54 and 55 of the report are particularly relevant as context to this project. Recently Historic England responded to the Outer London Commission consultations on issues relating to options for growth, barriers to delivery and regional governance. The options for growth...