United Kingdom • Greater London
Site analysis in London
An introduction to site analysis in London, covering planning context, common constraints, climate, terrain and transport. Use this city overview to identify what needs checking at the specific site.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Planning regime
London Plan 2021 + 33 borough local plans + NPPF
Key constraints
- Strategic Views (LVMF)
- World Heritage Sites (Tower of London, Westminster, Maritime Greenwich)
- Conservation areas (1,000+)
- Listed buildings (~19,000)
- Tall building cluster zones
- Thames flood zone 3
- Air Quality Management Areas borough-wide
Climate context
Cfb temperate maritime. 1500 hrs annual sunshine. 600mm annual rainfall. Urban heat island adds 1-2 degrees overnight in central core.
Topography
Thames basin, mostly flat below 30m AOD. Hampstead Heath (134m), Crystal Palace (110m), and Shooters Hill (132m) are notable high points.
Transport spine
11-line London Underground, 6 National Rail termini, Elizabeth Line, DLR, Overground, river services. PTAL ranges 1-6b.
Building height context
Central tall building clusters: City of London Eastern Cluster, Canary Wharf, Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea, Stratford. Most boroughs cap at 5-8 storeys outside designated zones.
Notable recent projects
- Battersea Power Station
- King's Cross
- Stratford / Olympic Park
- Canary Wharf
- Old Oak Common
Questions
What planning policies apply in London?
London Plan 2021 + 33 borough local plans + NPPF
What are the most common site constraints in London?
Strategic Views (LVMF). World Heritage Sites (Tower of London, Westminster, Maritime Greenwich). Conservation areas (1,000+). Listed buildings (~19,000).
Can Atlasly run a site analysis in London?
Available site information depends on the address and data source. Start with the site location and review the returned sources and coverage before using the results.
Run a site analysis in London
Start with a site location, review the available evidence and identify the checks needed for your next design decision.
Open Atlas AIReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.