Specialist Archaeological Advice

RE: VALIDATION DOCUMENT

Following our discussions yesterday please find our comments below. I apologise for not responding during the consultation period. It is pleasing to see that Heritage has been included, however the present wording relating to archaeological deposits in the explanatory notes largely copies that which is in the national document and there is a clear problem regarding the sites identified in the local plan. Neither the local Plan or the new LDF have areas of archaeological potential thus making part of the statement meaningless. As an alternative, below is a suggested wording which brings in all aspects of the historic environment, it also provides more detail and locally applicable information and gives a link to the Historic Environment Record web site.


Heritage Statement

Required where there is a reasonable probability of archaeological remains, whether below or above ground, being present on the site. The need for a Heritage Statement will depend on the scale of the development, as well as the nature of the archaeology. Domestic extensions and alterations will not require such an assessment, except in the case of historic buildings or conservation areas. Where significant ground disturbance occurs, especially in areas which have recorded historic environment assets on the Historic Environment Record (see http://unlockingessex.essex.gov.uk), then a field evaluation including trial trenching may be necessary as part of the Heritage Statement.

Heritage Statements must be produced by an appropriately qualified individual. National policy advice is provided in Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 - Planning and the Historic Environment and Planning Policy Guidance Note 16 - Archaeology and Planning. The Historic Environment Branch of Essex County Council can provide further information on the requirements. Please contact heritage.conservation@essexcc.gov.uk

It would also be useful giving our office as a contact to discuss archaeological implications. It is already recommended that the applicants discuss the heritage implications with a planner or the conservation officer, however, it would be very useful if we could get involved in discussions at an early stage.

On the check lists would it be possible to add Heritage Statements to the Hedgerow removal notice as applicants are required to check the historic environment implications of their removal.

Please let me know if you would like any further information, clarification or would like to discuss this further.