City of London councillors have approved plans for a 16-storey office block adjacent to an ancient burial site, despite concerns over archaeological impacts. The development at 30-33 Minories and 13 Haydon Street sits on the grounds of the 13th-century Abbey of the Minoresses of St Clare without Aldgate and within the eastern Roman cemetery of London.
The planning committee acknowledged the site's archaeological significance but approved the scheme on condition that any abbey remains found in good condition would be preserved and displayed. A City of London planning report noted that the basement excavation is expected to have moderate to high impacts on archaeological assets.
During construction, the Museum of London Archaeology team plans to hold talks and education programmes at the site. In 2013, the same team discovered a Roman stone sculpture of an eagle during developer-funded excavations nearby.
The approved scheme includes offices and a pocket park, and passed with 14 votes in favour and one abstention.
