FAQs

Will archaeology delay my development?

The sooner you assess the archaeological potential of your site the less likely you are to encounter delays because of unexpected discoveries. With our extensive experience, we can provide you with impartial advice at every stage of the planning process ensuring that you are fully aware of your obligations.

Will planning permission be refused if archaeological remains are found?

It is only in exceptional circumstances that planning permission is refused on archaeological grounds alone. Your development may require some or all of the following elements in order to obtain planning permission:

•  Assessment

•  Evaluation

•  Excavation

•  Recording

Archaeological assessment and evaluation are usually carried out before planning permission is granted. Further work may be required as a condition of planning permission.

Effective liaison between the Local Planning Authority, other professional bodies and the project team is the key. We will ensure that potential archaeological issues can be anticipated and managed with the minimum of disruption to the development programme.

How long will archaeological investigations take? 

This will obviously depend on the size of the project. It can range from only a few days, if a desk based study or a simple recording programme is undertaken, to several weeks or even months if a large-scale excavation is required. The key to minimising delays to your development is to include archaeology at the start of your project planning.

How do I manage the risk?

While we can never completely eliminate the risk of archaeological discoveries thorough assessment will help to minimize unforeseen discoveries. The sooner you include archaeology in your scheme the lower the risk of nasty surprises

What will it cost?

Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will provide you with a free estimate of costs.