Planning for Archaeology in Lancashire
A guide to development in the historic environment
THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
Lancashire has been shaped and modified by human hand over the past 10,000 years. It bears witness to centuries of settlement, agriculture, industry, conflict and ritual from prehistory to the present day. An informed glance across the landscape might discern prehistoric field patterns, the route of a Roman road, a medieval church tower, the mill chimneys of the industrial era and a WWII pillbox. Such distinctive richness and variety testifies to the changes which have successively taken place in the past - and will continue to so do in the future
Ilex Mill, Rawtenstall
The archaeological and historic remains which make up that landscape contain irreplaceable information about the past and are valuable in themselves and for their contribution towards education, recreation and the economic life of the County. But they also represent a non-renewable resource often very susceptible to damage and destruction. There are many threats, including urban and rural development, road and pipeline construction, mineral extraction, forestry and agriculture, so protection, balanced against the need for sustainable economic growth and development, is paramount.
Such protection is provided through legislation and the planning process. A small proportion of sites and buildings have statutory protection as Scheduled Ancient Monuments under the Archaeological Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, or as Listed Buildings under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Others are dealt with on their merits following government advice in the form
of Planning Policy Guidance notes 15 Planning and the Historic Environment
(DoE/DoNH 1994) and 16 Archaeology and Planning (DoE 1990). That advice is
supported by policies relating to archaeology, historic buildings and development
within the Lancashire Structure Plan and Local Plans.
Planning Law and Guidance
DEVELOPMENT IN THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
Lancashire County Council believes that archaeological and historic remains should not be needlessly destroyed and therefore takes an active role in their management, conservation and recording.
Early consultation with the Lancashire County Archaeology Service, preferably at the planning and design stage of a development, can aid and inform decision-making, avoid later problems and save time and money. To support and inform that role the Service maintains the Lancashire Sites and Monuments Record (LSMR), a register of known archaeological and historic sites in the County.
An initial examination of the LSMR, prior to the submission of a planning application, will show whether there are any known or potential archaeological remains within or adjacent to the proposed development.
On the basis of this preliminary appraisal, it may be necessary to obtain more detailed information about the impact of a development proposal upon the historic environment. Such work should be carried out by a professionally qualified archaeological contractor according to a brief approved by the Lancashire County Archaeology Service. The work may include:
- Desk-based assessment - a detailed review and analysis of existing information about a site,
and/or
- Field evaluation - a survey or trial excavation designed to assess the nature of archaeological remains within the proposed development area. Techniques may include fieldwalking, geophysical survey and trial trenching.
-
© Geophysical Survey LUAU -
Archaeological evaluation at Lathom House
The report on this work should accompany the planning application, and include an assessment of the archaeological effects of the development and any measures proposed to reduce its impact. The Local Planning Authority may defer a planning decision until this information is available.
Where archaeological remains exist the first priority is preservation in situ. To achieve this, the archaeological impact of the development should be minimised by, for example, sympathetic foundation design or amendments to the layout. This is often the most cost-effective solution. If this is not feasible, then detailed archaeological recording (normally by means of excavation and survey) and publication is the second best option. Such work will provide a lasting record of Archaeological evidence unavoidably destroyed by development. Similarly, where works to an historic building are proposed there may be a need for an archaeological record of the structure to be made
Excavation at Walton-le-Dale
In other cases, particularly small-scale projects, recording of archaeological remains which come to light during the course of development may be advised; this is known as a watching brief and should be carried out by a qualified archaeologist.
Archaeological implications are a material consideration for the Local Planning Authority when making a planning decision. If further archaeological work is necessary this can be secured, either by use of legal agreement or by Planning Conditions.
It is national and local practise that the costs of archaeological work made necessary by development should, in most circumstances, be borne by the developer.
LANCASHIRE COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGY SERVICE CAN ASSIST IN
- Providing archaeological information and advice
- The appraisal of the archaeological potential of proposed development areas, including input into Environmental Assessment and Conservation Plans
- Advising on the likely archaeological impact of development proposals and appropriate measures to reduce their impact
- Providing written specifications for archaeological work
- Monitoring archaeological projects to ensure professional standards and compliance with planning requirements
- Liaison with local and national archaeological bodies
- Formulating planning policy, development plans and other non-statutory plans
- Conserving, managing and interpreting archaeological and historical remains
