Archaeology and Development
The government advises that all prospective developers should initially assess whether a site is known or likely to contain archaeological remains. This should be as part of their research into the development potential of a site, before making a planning application.
Click here to find out more about archaeology, development and planning law (Planning Policy Guidance 16; Archaeology and Planning, DoE November 1990 [PDF]).
If you are planning a development, it pays to seek archaeological advice from the Planning Archaeologists at Surrey County Council as early as possible before submitting a planning application. The needs of archaeology and development can be reconciled, and potential conflict can be reduced. This can save time and money and avoid problems later.
Consulting the Surrey Historic Environment Record (HER) will show whether any archaeological remains are known, or are likely to be, within or near to a proposed development site. In some cases prospective developers are requested to commission and provide the results of archaeological investigation before a planning application is considered.
The results of the preliminary appraisal, may make it necessary to commission a fuller archaeological assessment or evaluation by a professionally qualified archaeological contractor. The report on this work should accompany the planning application, and include an assessment of the archaeological effects of the development and any measures (mitigation) proposed to reduce its impact. The Local Planning Authority may defer a planning decision until this information is available. For more information see Archaeological Investigation Workflow.
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