Archaeology Consultancy
When is an Archaeological report required for planning and do I need one..?
Our Archaeologist answers the most common Archaeological FAQs.
How do I know if my site is of archaeological interest?
Archaeology is the study of human history through the material culture and landscape impacts humans have left, within England there is no longer any virgin natural landscape but all landscapes have been impacted by human actions. It is therefore the role of the archaeologist consultant to help clients identify the significance of the potential archaeology on the potential development site and inform the client and the local planning authority of this potential significance as part of a planning application in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
I have an archaeological condition on my planning application, what do I do?
How an archaeological condition will impact upon a project varies from project to project. If an application has been granted with an archaeological condition, an archaeological consultant would review the proposal and seek to understand what works would be required, allowing an action plan to be initiated including initial contact with the Council Archaeologist Advisors.
Will my project be delayed because of the archaeological condition?
This is a very big concern and genuine concern as unexpected archaeological remains can and have had massive logistical and project management implications upon projects.
The role of an archaeologist consultant is to clearly identify to clients, all viable and suitable approaches to dealing with a potential development site in relation to archaeology; the inherent risk of each approach, the strengths, the weaknesses and how best each approach will work into delivering a successful planning application and further on into the construction phase if required.
When is an archaeological survey required?
Our initial desktop appraisals of any site will establish whether the site is of archaeological importance. At this point, our Archaeology Consultant will help clients identify the significance of the potential archaeology on the potential development site and inform the client and the local planning authority of this potential significance as part of a planning application in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This is when an Archaeological DBA (Desk Based Assessment) or Archaeological WSI (Written Scheme of Investigation) may be needed and conducted.
For a list of the different Archaeological reports – List of Archaeological Reports for Planning Applications
What archaeological service do I need?
Archaeology is a broad branched discipline – a project can involve many different types of archaeologist form:
Geo-Archaeologist – looking into the historical landscape setting of a site.
Geophysical Surveying Archaeologist – revealing evidence of past human remains by detecting localised disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field.
Field Archaeologist – excavating the remains of human activity in the ground.
Building Archaeologist – undertake historic building survey of upstanding heritage assets, and many other valuable archaeologist specialists.
With this in mind, it is the role of the archaeologist consultant to aid a client through this complex and competing task of satisfying any archaeological/heritage concerns while minimising any cost and adverse impacts upon the client and other planning considerations, while also delivering enrichment of the built and natural environment.
Get in contact with us if you need archaeological services for your planning application.
