Development proposals that affect known heritage assets with archaeological interest (whether designated or non-designated) or areas which have the potential for heritage assets with archaeological interest must be accompanied by an Archaeological Heritage Statement.

Archaeological Heritage Statements must:

Exceptions will be made where advice from the Council’s Archaeological specialists indicates that an Archaeological Heritage Statement is not necessary.

Where development proposals will impact upon heritage assets, with archaeological interest, where possible, the Council will seek the preservation of those remains in situ.

Where preservation in situ cannot be achieved, a scheme of archaeological investigation, recording, analysis and publication (i.e. preservation by record) will be required prior to the completion of the development. This scheme will be approved in writing by the Council in advance of development and include provision for the long-term curation of any resulting archive and appropriate publication. This is required in order to record and advance understanding of the significance of any heritage assets with archaeological interest that will be lost (wholly or in part) as a consequence of the development.

The Council will support proposals that include provision for the enhancement, conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment by the creation of appropriate management and interpretation schemes. Schemes that will result in a reduction of the number of heritage assets on the Heritage at Risk Register will be encouraged.

Development proposals that will result in the total loss of, or which would cause substantial harm to the significance of heritage assets with archaeological interest or their settings (whether designated or non-designated), will be refused unless the harm or loss of significance is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh the loss of significance or the harm.

For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan