4. Archaeological Impact Assessment
What is it?
Policy BH5 of the Plan Strategy seeks to conserve and protect and where possible enhance archaeological assets. Where the impact of a development proposal on important archaeological remains is unclear, or the relative importance of such remains is uncertain, the council will normally require developers to provide further information in the form of an archaeological assessment or an archaeological evaluation.
An Archaeological Impact Assessment identifies the potential impacts of the proposal upon archaeological assets, and upon potential new archaeological sites and features. It assesses the significance of assets, the magnitude of impact of development, and recommends mitigation. It is largely a desk-based exercise, incorporating the results of a site walkover survey and other specialist surveys as required.
When is it required?
An Archaeological Impact Assessment should be provided for proposals within an Area of Archaeological Interest or Potential where it involves the breaking of ground (i.e. an Archaeological Impact Assessment is not required for proposals that only involve the change of use of land or property).
What should be included?
An Archaeological Impact Assessment should be prepared by a qualified archaeologist and include a desk-based assessment to identify the known archaeological and related historic environment assets within the application site and within an appropriate study area.
Guidance on what should be included in an Archaeological Impact Assessment is provided by the Department for Communities’ “Development and Archaeology: Guidance on Archaeological Works in the Planning Process”.
Guidance
Applicants should take into account archaeological considerations and deal with them from the beginning of the development management process. The needs of archaeology and development can often be reconciled, and potential conflict avoided or much reduced, if applicants discuss their proposals early. The first step is for applicants to consult the Department for Communities’ Historic environment map viewer for known archaeological sites and monuments.
