Merseyside Archaeological Service
Archaeology is the study of past peoples and societies through investigation of their material remains. These remains can take many forms including isolated finds, buried sites, earthworks, landscape features and historic buildings in the towns and countryside.
The archaeology of Merseyside is extremely rich and diverse. The landscape has been modified by humans for over 10,000 years and displays evidence from the Prehistoric periods to the more recent industrial and built heritage.
Archaeological remains contain irreplaceable information about the past and are valuable in themselves and for their contribution towards education, recreation and the economic life of Merseyside. There are many threats to archaeological remains in both rural and urban environments including development on brown and green field sites, road and pipeline construction, mineral extraction, forestry and agriculture.
The Merseyside Archaeological Service recognises the importance of regeneration and change, balanced against the need to protect and enhance our understanding of Merseyside's archaeological and historical environment.
Protection of the archaeological resource is provided through the planning process. National guidance has been issued in the form of Planning Policy Guidance note 16: Archaeology and Planning (DoE 1990) and this is supported further by Planning Policy Guidance note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment (DoE 1994). A small number of archaeological sites in Merseyside have statutory protection as Scheduled Ancient Monuments and these are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
In addition, the five Metropolitan Boroughs of Merseyside have produced policies relating to archaeology in their Development Plans.
Excavation of Liverpool's first dock, 'The Old Dock'
Known archaeological sites and remains are recorded on the Merseyside Historic Environment Record (HER). An initial consultation of the HER will indicate if there are likely to be any archaeological remains within or adjacent to a proposed development.
It is recommended that those planning a development seek advice from the Merseyside Archaeological Service as early as possible before submitting a planning application, as archaeology will be a material consideration for the Local Planning Authority when making a planning decision. Early consultation at the planning and design stage of a development can aid and inform decision-making, avoid later problems and save time and money.
On the basis of this initial appraisal it may be necessary to obtain more detailed information about the impact of a development proposal upon the historic environment. This work may include an archaeological desk-based assessment and/or field evaluation carried out by a professional archaeological contractor. The written report on this work should accompany the planning application and include an assessment of the archaeological effects of the development and any measures proposed to reduce its impact. The Local Planning Authority may refuse permission where insufficient archaeological information has been supplied.
The priority is to minimise the impact of development upon archaeological remains. Some remains may need to be preserved in situ. To achieve this the Local Planning Authority will require sympathetic foundation design or amendments to the layout. Where appropriate, the second best option is detailed excavation, recording and publication of the results. Similarly, where works to an historic building are proposed there may be a need for an archaeological record of the structure to be made (see Historic Building Analysis).
In some cases, particularly small-scale development, recording of archaeological remains, by a professional archaeological contractor, during the course of development may be advised; this is known as a watching brief and will normally be secured by a planning condition.
Archaeological work can be secured either by use of a planning condition or by a legal agreement under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
It is national and local practice that the costs of archaeological work made necessary by development should, in most circumstances, be borne by the developer.
Archaeological work can take a number of forms:
It is important that the historic environment is fully considered before drawing up strategic regeneration frameworks and individual projects. An understanding of our past environment and the sensitive reuse of its historic fabric can positively influence future town planning and can enhance the character of an area, thus contributing to a more pleasant environment, a wider sense of cultural identity and, in some cases, to the economy of an area. Early consultation with the Merseyside Archaeological Service can assist in identifying those sites of archaeological and historic potential, which may contribute to and inform proposals for regeneration.