Operations Department
At Pre-Construct Archaeology (PCA) we are aware that, potentially at least, the requirements of planning authorities for archaeological works can be detrimental to a development programme. For this reason we encourage our clients to contact PCA early when preparing their project and together we can attempt to minimise any risk. It is our intention to view the archaeological requirement as just one part of the construction procedure, to integrate the archaeological requirements into a realistic programme and thereby reduce time required on site and unnecessary expenditure.
Pre-Construct Archaeology’s Project Managers are extremely experienced in dealing with the intricacies of archaeological fieldwork: they understand the need for close liaison and management, and have an in-depth understanding of the requirements of Planning Guidance Papers 15 and 16. Each archaeological project is allocated its own Project Manager who will liaise with the client or their agent and the local planning authority to determine the exact archaeological requirements. This manager will remain with the project until the successful completion of the archaeological condition, be that a development control report or a publication in a national journal.
The Project Manager will arrange on behalf of the client the production of desk based assessments and will organise fieldwork as and where it is necessary.
Such fieldwork may include Evaluations, Excavations, Watching Briefs, Survey or Building Recording. They will produce a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for the planning archaeologists, which will outline the scheme, the way the investigations will operate, constraints, and reporting. A copy of the WIS will also be forwarded to the client. We aim to be as transparent in what we charge for and unless the contract specifies ‘fixed price’ unspent sums will not be charged. Only the client will be provided with a copy of a fee proposal.
On larger schemes the project manager may attend meetings or represent the client or their agent on such matters as programme and progress, alternative solutions, further mitigation, publicity or even public displays or open days.
Our Project Managers have a flexible approach and response to our clients needs and have experience in working in a variety of locations across the country. They are therefore familiar with the requirements numerous planning authorities and where they are not they understand the procedures for obtaining the requisite information. We do have, however, offices in both London and Durham which assists in PCA getting to know the people and the archaeology across the country.
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