Archaeology and Development

Norfolk Landscape Archaeology works to ensure that any plans for development take into account conservation of the historic environment.

It is very important for developers to know as early as possible about any archaeological remains on land they may want to buy or develop. We can provide advice on any site and let you know if developer-funded excavation or recording work is necessary.

Archaeology and Planning in Norfolk

Norfolk Landscape Archaeology monitors all planning applications in Norfolk and provides advice on archaeology and development to applicants, developers, landowners and to the Local Planning Authorities.

There is a presumption that all sites of national importance should be preserved, and that on such sites planning permission will not normally be granted.

On other sites, an archaeological evaluation may be required before an application is determined, so that informed and reasonable planning decisions can be taken.

When a planning authority decides that the preservation of any archaeological remains is not justified, planning permission may only be granted when the developer has made provision for an evaluation and, if necessary, for further excavation, recording, analysis and publication of the results.

This is usually secured through an archaeological condition on the planning permission or a legal agreement.

Early consultation is particularly important in the four historic urban centres of Norwich, King’s Lynn, Thetford and Great Yarmouth, where there may be deep and well-preserved archaeological deposits. In these areas, very careful consideration needs to be given to design and, where possible, engineering solutions found to achieve the preservation of archaeological remains in situ.

Archaeological Remains

Archaeological remains are irreplaceable, and they are evidence – for most periods of our history, the only evidence – of the past development of our civilisation. Archaeological remains are also a finite and non-renewable resource, and they are often highly fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction

Planning Policy and Guidance

The historic environment and archaeological remains are protected through policies in the Norfolk Structure Plan, Local Plans, planning legislation and two key documents:

Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and Planning
and
Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the Historic Environment.

For further advice on Archaeology and Development in Norfolk contact Ken Hamilton on 01362 869275.

Our advisory service to developers and applicants is free of charge for initial consultations and for advice on the archaeological implications of a development proposal.

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