The impact that new development will have on sites containing archaeological remains is one issue taken into account by the county's planning authorities in determining applications for planning permission.
Where there could be a potential impact, additional information is needed before an informed assessment can be made, and the applicant will be required to commission a specialist contractor to carry out further research or trial investigations to evaluate the site's potential.
Early consultation about the possible impact of development proposals can have considerable benefits for prospective developers before any application is submitted.
The archaeological evaluations required, prior to planning decisions being made, may involve survey work, such as geophysical survey or field walking, as well as trial excavation or building survey work. The extent of work required and the techniques to be used will vary from site to site and case to case.
Once there is sufficient information available the likely impact of the proposal upon the historic environment can be assessed and measures to reduce or mitigate the identified impact defined. Where important historic remains are discovered as part of an evaluation it will sometimes be appropriate to refuse planning permission.
Other, more common, options for conserving important archaeological remains include: the application of planning conditions or a legal agreement to preserve the remains within the development or to ensure that the development cannot begin until a specialist contractor has been engaged to excavate and record the archaeological or historic building remains.
Copies of all reports from fieldwork are deposited with the Sites and Monuments Record for wider access to the community.
You will need to contact the relevant local planning authority for advice relating to your particular proposal. For minerals and waste-related development proposals, contact the County Council. For residential and other developments, contact the appropriate district and/or borough council.
For further information, please use the contact details on the right.