Policy HC1 — Heritage conservation and growth

HC1 Heritage conservation and growth A Boroughs should, in consultation with Historic England, local communities and other statutory and relevant organisations, develop evidence that demonstrates a clear understanding of London’s historic environment. This evidence should be used for identifying, understanding, conserving, and enhancing the historic environment and heritage assets, and improving access to, and interpretation of, the heritage assets, landscapes and archaeology within their area. B Development Plans and strategies should demonstrate a clear understanding of the historic environment and the heritage values of sites or areas and their relationship with their surroundings. This knowledge should be used to inform the effective integration of London’s heritage in regenerative change by: 1) setting out a clear vision that recognises and embeds the role of heritage in place-making 2) utilising the heritage significance of a site or area in the planning and design process 3) integrating the conservation and enhancement of heritage assets and their settings with innovative and creative contextual architectural responses that contribute to their significance and sense of place 4) delivering positive benefits that conserve and enhance the historic environment, as well as contributing to the economic viability, accessibility and environmental quality of a place, and to social wellbeing. C Development proposals affecting heritage assets, and their settings, should conserve their significance, by being sympathetic to the assets’ significance and appreciation within their surroundings. The cumulative impacts of incremental change from development on heritage assets and their settings should also be actively managed. Development proposals should avoid harm and identify enhancement opportunities by integrating heritage considerations early on in the design process. D Development proposals should identify assets of archaeological significance and use this information to avoid harm or minimise it through design and appropriate mitigation. Where applicable, development should make provision for the protection of significant archaeological assets and landscapes. The protection of undesignated heritage assets of archaeological interest equivalent to a scheduled monument should be given equivalent weight to designated heritage assets. E Where heritage assets have been identified as being At Risk, boroughs should identify specific opportunities for them to contribute to regeneration and place-making, and they should set out strategies for their repair and re-use. 7.1.1 London’s historic environment, represented in its built form, landscape heritage and archaeology, provides a depth of character that benefits the city’s economy, culture and quality of life. The built environment, combined with its historic landscapes, provides a unique sense of place, whilst layers of architectural history provide an environment that is of local, national and international value . London’s heritage assets and historic environment are irreplaceable and an essential part of what makes London a vibrant and successful city, and their effective management is a fundamental component of achieving good growth. The Mayor will develop a London-wide Heritage Strategy, together with Historic England and other partners, to support the capital’s heritage and the delivery of heritage-led growth. 7.1.2 London’s diverse range of designated and non-designated heritage assets contributes to its status as a world-class city. Designated assets currently include four World Heritage Sites, over 1,000 conservation areas, 19,000 list entries for historic buildings, 150 registered parks and gardens, 160 scheduled monuments, and one battlefield. Non-designated assets cover an even wider range of features including buildings of local interest, most archaeological remains, canals, docks and waterways, historic hedgerows, ancient woodlands, and ancient and veteran trees. The distribution of designated assets differs across different parts of London, and is shown in Figure 7.1, Figure 7.2, Figure 7.3, and Figure 7.4. Note that these maps are for illustrative purposes only. Figure 7.1 - Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments and World Heritage Sites Figure 7.1 - Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments and World Heritage Sites Figure 7.2 - London’s Conservation Areas Figure 7.2 - London’s Conservation Areas Figure 7.3 - London’s Waterways and Registered Historic Parks & Gardens Figure 7.3 - London’s Waterways and Registered Historic Parks & Gardens 7.1.3 Ensuring the identification and sensitive management of London’s heritage assets , in tandem with promotion of the highest standards of architecture, will be essential to maintaining the blend of old and new that contributes to the capital’s unique character. London’s heritage reflects the city’s diversity, its people and their impact on its structure. When assessing the significance of heritage assets, it is important to appreciate the influence of past human cultural activity from all sections of London’s diverse community. Every opportunity to bring the story of London to people and improve the accessibility and maintenance of London’s heritage should be exploited. Supporting infrastructure and visitor facilities may be required to improve access and enhance appreciation of London’s heritage assets. 7.1.4 Many heritage assets make a significant contribution to local character which should be sustained and enhanced. The Greater London Historic Environment Record (GLHER) [127] is a comprehensive and dynamic resource for the historic environment of London containing over 196,000 entries. In addition to utilising this record, boroughs’ existing evidence bases , including character appraisals, conservation plans and local lists should be used as a reference point for plan-making and when informing development proposals. 7.1.5 As set out in Policy D1 London’s form, character and capacity for growth , DLondon Plan Policy HC1 · official source →