MOLA was asked to undertake a Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment to assist with the redevelopment of Admiralty Arch; one of the capital’s most iconic sites. We were able to assist the client in achieving planning permission for this prestigious hotel scheme.
The assessment outlined a effective mitigation strategy that bolstered the clients bid for planning consent.
The site lies within a Conservation Area and an Archaeological Priority Zone, with potential for multi-period archaeological remains, including significant prehistoric faunal remains, a nearby Roman road, Saxon settlement and later pleasure garden and chapel. Specialist in-house resources, including archaeological reports, georeferenced historic maps, and GIS data of past investigations were combined with geoarchaeological information to provide an assessment of the site’s potential.
We identified the potential archaeological risks and negotiated an appropriate mitigation strategy on behalf of the client, taking into account the practicalities of investigating a deep basement at a busy road junction. The report outlined a mitigation strategy embracing archaeological investigation and recording, followed by off-site assessment, analysis, and historic building recording of the Grade I Listed structure.
