building on undefended Iron Age settlement???

[mitsy]

Hi I live in an area where theres an undefended Iron Age settlement , but recently the land has been bought to build houses on, is there a law that protects this ground because of its history?

[jno]

I would have thought English Heritage (or anyone) could apply to have the site listed, which would in theory stop development of it; but maybe someone has tried and failed already.

[dot.hawkes]

It could well be that the archaeology has already been excavated , recorded and cartographed in which case it is quite possible to build on it as no more can be gleaned and the site would not be one where people would necessarily gain anything from looking at it.

[Octavius]

It would be covered in most planning conditions. The development would be subject to a full archaeological survey prior to a spade being lifted. During the course of the development archaeologists will periodically inspect the works and record any �finds�. This is called a �watching brief�. If anything of particular archaeological significance is found (i.e. anything rare or unexpected) then the works may be halted for further investigation. This is in accordance with planning authority requirements, in line with PPGs 15 and 16, and the 1997 EIA Directive.

Generally speaking though, in most situations the presence of the historical site is just recorded for posterity and any future development. Most of the developments I deal with are handled by the consulting division of MoLAS.

As said above, English Heritage may also have a particular interest: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show /conWebDoc.2402

[taliesin238]

Policy PPG16 must cover it surely!! Please look into it as this building must be stopped!!!!

[mitsy]

What is Policy PPG16??

[Octavius]

Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and planning

Planning Policy Guidance 16 (PPG16) sets out the Secretary of State's policy on archaeological remains on land, and how they should be preserved or recorded both in an urban setting and in the countryside.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/144/Planning PolicyGuidance16Archaeologyandplanning_id15071 44.pdf

[Octavius]

This may also be of interest:

http://www.britarch.ac.uk/conserve/planning/pl ansheet8.html