This service has now been providing archaeological advice to the 33 London planning authorities for 5 years. After the initial energy involved in setting up appropriate referral mechanisms with the London authorities and establishing the necessary archaeological standards and guidance papers to ensure best archaeological practice we now believe that we have an effective and efficient curatorial service.
In the region of 83,600 planning applications have been processed during the year. Of these c 2,800 generated a response indicating the potential presence of archaeological deposits, which in turn resulted in c 1,000 archaeological desk-based assessments, evaluations, or mitigation strategies for excavation or preservation in situ. This reflects the ratio of substantial intrusive development proposals to those involving less archaeologically significant change, mostly to the fabric and use of existing buildings. This work has run alongside a number of strategic initiatives, mostly involving statutory undertakers. A flow chart has been produced to help those who have to use the planning system to understand and follow the recommended stages for dealing with archaeology in the development process through PPG-16.
About 7,500 additional sites were added to the Greater London Sites and Monuments Record, and most of this information was generated by our drive to complete our record of archaeological interventions within Greater London (only a few sites remain outstanding). Other enhancement projects successfully completed include the results of the review of the statutory List for Islington, alterations to the Buildings at Risk Register for Greater London, and sites of industrial archaeological interest generated by the Index Record of Industrial Sites set up by the Association for Industrial Archaeology. The implementation of a computerised mapping system began and information can now be plotted onto computer generated map overlays. The mapping system will allow for the compilation and manipulation of a range of new data, including historic maps, aerial photographs, resistivity surveys, and topographical information. Staff have continued to answer an ever increasing number of both public and professional requests for information.
All reports on archaeological assessments and interventions undertaken in Greater London by a wide variety of archaeological contractors are catalogued and referenced through the reporting system, and the results are now making a significant contribution to our understanding of the archaeology of the London region.
Some of the highlights of this work are summarised under the following headings.
