The Importance of Archaeology
The majority of those involved in development such as architects, planners and developers will, at some stage in their careers, come across the need for advice on archaeology and how it relates to the planning process.
As one of the UK's largest independent professional archaeology units, PCA has the experience and expertise to guide you through all stages of the archaeological process.
This brief document has been prepared to assist you to understand how archaeology fits within the planning process, and is intended as no more than an introductory guide.
Since 1990, archaeology has been integrated within the planning process under a government initiative called Archaeology and Planning: Planning Policy Guidance Note No 16 (DoE 1990). Popularly known as 'PPG16', we would strongly recommend obtaining a copy as it is at the core of the archaeological process. (a synopsis can be downloaded from the internet at www.archaeology.co.uk).
Fundamentally it seeks to protect our archaeological remains (and they belong to all of us) by making archaeology a material consideration of the planning process. This doesn't mean you will be prevented from developing a site because of archaeological remains (unless a scheduled monument is involved), it just means that arrangements will have to be made to deal with the archaeology appropriately.
If your site looks like it has archaeological remains, one of two things can happen. Either You will advised to employ building techniques that will minimise disturbing the remains, (this is the favoured option, and is known as preservation in situ.), or if that is not possible, you will be asked to pay for an field investigation to record the archaeology (known as preservation by record.)
It is, therefore, important to you and your development program for you to consider any archaeological remains before making plans.
By consulting with PCA at an early planning stage, many problems can be avoided, and a successful strategy to deal with the archaeology can be implemented.
Archaeological remains need not be seen as problem. As professional archaeologists we are happy to advise on all aspects of archaeology, even if you just need clarification on how the whole process works; it's just one of the professional services PCA offers.
This may be about the past, but it's really about a duty to the future.
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