Since the publication of National Planning Policy Guideline 5 (NPPG5) in 1994, archaeology has been a material consideration in the Planning Process. This means that developers must address any detrimental impact on the archaeological resource arising from their development proposals. Current policies state that archaeological deposits should be preserved in situ wherever possible. If preservation is not possible, Planning Authorities may attach conditions to planning consent requiring the developer to fund measures to mitigate the impact of their development on the archaeological resource.
There are a number of possible ways in which a developer can reduce the impact of their proposals on the resource. One option may involve altering details of development proposals in order to avoid damage to archaeological deposits, an approach known as preservation in situ. Where this is not feasible, an alterative may be for the developer to employ an archaeological contractor to excavate archaeological material, producing a report detailing their results. This approach is known as preservation by record. It is important to be aware that under this approach, developers are responsible for funding the excavation of archaeological material threatened by their proposals, as well as any post-excavation measures that may be required, up to and including publication.
The British Archaeological Jobs Resource website contains a comprehensive section providing information for developers, and provides a useful guide to the position occupied by archaeology within the development process. Developers undertaking archaeological mitigation works as a condition of planning consent should download a copy of our informal list of archaeological contractors. At its meeting on 3 April 2009 the West of Scotland Archaeology Service Joint Committee approved the West of Scotland Archaeology Service Procedural Guidance for Archaeology and Development for general application across the 11 WoSAS Member Councils.
Guidance For Developers:
Informal List of Archaeological Contractors
WoSAS Procedural Guidance for Archaeology and Development
As part of the Service Level Agreement that established the West of Scotland Archaeology Service, the Service Manager produces an annual report for the Steering Group. The Service is run by a Joint Committee, made up of Councillors from the various Local Authorities who contribute to the Archaeology Service.
Reports For Councils:
The Archaeology Service is hosted by Glasgow City Council, which employs the 3 professional staff, and also provides personnel, finance, and health and safety support. The team is managed by the Service Manager who under the terms of the Minute of Agreement has responsibility for day to day running of the Service, and for the Service budget. The Manager reports to a Steering Group of officers of the 11 Councils. The Service is run by a Joint Committee, comprising the following Councillors: