5. Archaeological Site Evaluation
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 Site Evaluation usually involves a targeted archaeological excavation, of limited scope, carried out by a licensed archaeologist. It is quite distinct from a full archaeological excavation. It aims to clarify the nature and extent of below-ground archaeological remains within a proposed development site. Evaluations may also be carried out to inform an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) for a site, particularly where areas of heightened archaeological potential have been identified.
Evaluations can clarify the potential archaeological risks and constraints of a development site early in the planning process, including identifying areas where development may not be acceptable to planning policy. Evaluations may also influence the design and layout of a development to avoid or minimise archaeological impacts.
When is it required?
An Archaeological Site Evaluation should be provided with applications where it is essential to clarify if a proposal or aspects of it are acceptable having regard to Policy BH5 and if there is uncertainty as to whether the proposal would be acceptable in principle (i.e. such information cannot be provided after a planning decision through planning conditions).
What should be included?
An Archaeological Site Evaluation should be prepared by a qualified archaeologist. 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.
