How and When to Contact GLAAS
A framework for managing London's archaeology can be found in the GLAAS Charter.
Archaeological Priority Areas (APA) show where proposed development is more (or less) likely to affect archaeological interests.
Local planning authorities are requested to consult GLAAS on:
- All major planning applications over 0.5 hectares, whether in an APA or not
- All Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping requests and Environmental Statements
- Any application supported by an archaeological desk-based assessment
- Minor planning applications in any APA (tiers 1 to 3)
- Domestic basement applications in APA tiers 1 and 2 only. Note: For boroughs as yet without APA tiers, consult GLAAS on any domestic basement in an APA
- Householder and equivalent-scale very minor applications in APA tier 1 only. Note: For boroughs as yet without APA tiers, do not consult GLAAS on householder or equivalent applications unless within 50 metres of a scheduled monument
- Proposed substantial demolition or major alterations to historic buildings
- Submission of details in relation to archaeological conditions
- Appeals on applications for which an archaeological issue has previously been identified
- Development Plan policies and site allocations
- Local Development Orders and Permission in Principle applications that meet the above criteria
Pre-application advice
We welcome pre-application consultation on proposed developments which are likely to affect archaeological interests. Our Initial Pre-application written advice will say if there is a substantive issue for which we recommend taking up charged-for pre-application advice from the local planning authority. Please advise us if your client already has a pre-application agreement in place with the local planning authority.
To consult GLAAS please email: e-glaas@HistoricEngland.org.uk
We are able to provide archaeological information from the Greater London Historic Environment Record and site-specific advice via the GLAAS archaeological advisers.
This information can be used in combination with site plans, geotechnical information and archive and historic map research to prepare an assessment of a site. We recommend using professionally qualified archaeologists to undertake assessment work on behalf of developers.
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP)
GLAAS provides local government archaeology advice on large-scale construction projects that the Government deems to be nationally significant. We do this through Historic England’s chargeable Enhanced Advisory Service.
Permitted development advice
Change to the historic environment does not always come about through the planning system. Many organisations carry out work that can affect archaeology, using statutory powers of permitted development or through various licensing systems. We provide free initial screening advice, but where issues are identified, a supplementary charge will be made for utility companies using the GLHER to cover related mitigation advice.
Local authorities have a wide range of responsibilities, some of which can affect the historic environment:
- Highways departments coordinate the permitted works of utilities companies that may identify local impacts they may cause
- Parks and landscape works may take place within an historic context
- Co-ordination of advice with officers covering the natural environment may be necessary, for example related to new wetland creation or tree planting.
- Further information on managing land use change is available from the Greater London Historic Environment Record (GLHER)
The Town and Country Planning Act allows planning authorities to remove permitted and statutory development rights at a site where heritage assets are unacceptably threatened, by use of an Article 4 Direction.
If you need archaeological advice on dredging projects, transport infrastructure works, utilities schemes, ecclesiastical exemption cases or other public or private works with archaeological impacts, contact us for advice.