Archaeology and Planning
Where can I find an archaeological consultant?
Are you looking for an experienced and reputable archaeological consultant? Look no further than Access Heritage. We are specialized archaeological planning experts with offices in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry and we possess the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complex planning requirements and resolutions for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
When embarking on a development project, it’s important to consider how archaeology may impact your project. With the close link between archaeology and planning in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, planning applications are sent to DFC HED in Northern Ireland and the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in the Republic of Ireland. Both government departments are statutory consultees for potential impacts of proposed developments on the archaeological heritage.
When submitting your plans for permission, they are sent to the relevant government departments for consultation. If archaeological remains are identified within the vicinity of the proposed development, the government may impose archaeological conditions on the site. This can be a daunting and overwhelming process, but with the help of a professional archaeological consultant like Access Heritage, it doesn’t have to be.
At Access Heritage, we understand that dealing with archaeological conditions on your planning can be difficult and time-consuming. That’s why we offer our clients the necessary guidance and support to mitigate the conditions and enable them to continue with their development works. An archaeological condition may require you to engage with an archaeological consultant like us to produce an archaeological impact assessment (AIA) or a programme of works. These documents provide a historical background of the site and research to discover the extent and nature of potential remains that may be encountered. Based on these findings, our experienced archaeological consultants will recommend different types of mitigation to minimize any potential impacts on the archaeological heritage.
Our team of experts are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of service and professionalism. Whether you need an archaeological impact assessment (AIA) or a programme of works, Access Heritage is here to help. With our knowledge and expertise, we will work with you to ensure that your development project is completed in compliance with all archaeological heritage regulations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.”
What kinds of archaeological mitigation can I expect?
Every development is different and it depends on a lot of factors. The ideal outcome for the developer is that the AIA or POW reveal that no archaeological works are needed, this outcome is rare but it does happen, if you have a condition in place already it is unlikely that archaeological mitigation can be avoided.
If you have conditions placed on the site the most likely mitigation will be archaeological test trenching to discover if archaeological remains have survived under the topsoil. If no remains come up an archaeologist will write a report stating that no remains were present and that no further works are needed. If remains are revealed during testing then further mitigation may be needed.
What is archaeological testing?
Archaeological testing is mitigation usually put in place to resolve an archaeological planning condition. archaeological testing usually involves using a digger to excavate long trenches monitored by an archaeologist to check if there are any surviving sub surface archaeological remains.
What if archaeology is discovered during testing?
If archaeology is recovered during testing there are a couple of options. If the archaeological remains are minimal, preservation in situ and a redesign of an area may be possible to avoid the remains. If the remains are also minimal a small excavation to resolve them may also be cost effective and free up the development to move on. If the remains are extensive then an archaeological excavation may be required in order to proceed.
What is the archaeological impact to my site?
Every site is complex and varied but the best thing to do is to contact an archaeologist early and discuss your plans with them to see how your site will be impacted. Our experienced team can help you through most issues that may arise. Contact us today to see if we can help you.
How can I find out if there are monuments near my development?
There are many tools out there to help you see what is around you, here are a few links to maps that will help you see if you have archaeology near your site.