Archaeology and Planning

Archaeology is protected through the planning process to ensure that it is not needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed by development. At a County Level, strategic matters such as Minerals and Waste, Schools and Highways all benefit from archaeological advice. The Historic Environment Officer (Archaeology) also provides advice on archaeological matters to Local Planning Authorities, developers and members of the public.

This process relies upon information held by the Staffordshire Historic Environment Record.

Government guidance regarding archaeology in the planning process is laid out in PPG16. In line with this guidance, it can be required that archaeological assessment and recording be undertaken by a developer as part of the planning process. A variety of methods including desk-based assessments, evaluation, watching briefs and excavation can be called upon to understand the archaeology of a site.

In some cases archaeological remains may be identified to be of national importance, when preservation 'in situ' is preferred. However, it is sometimes possible to mitigate for such remains through altering the designs of a proposed scheme.

The Staffordshire Historic Environment Team also plays an important role in the development of countywide policies such as the development of a research framework for historic buildings.

The team also advises on the Agri-Environment and Woodland Grant Schemes, proposals for land management strategies and is an important component within the production of Environmental Impact Assessments. For further information please contact our Historic Environment Officer (Archaeology).