Archaeology and Planning: Guidance note for applicants

The Authority is responsible for the conservation of archaeological and historic landscape features. These may be remains dating back thousands of years or they may be the product of the Industrial Revolution, or even more recent. Some of them may be protected from damage or destruction through designation as a Scheduled Monument.

There are however thousands of historic and archaeological sites recorded on the County Historic Environment Records (HERS) which cover the National Park. Even though not Scheduled these remains are a material concern in the planning process and have to be safeguarded appropriately.

If a proposed development is likely to affect a site of archaeological interest, the Authority can require developers to undertake an archaeological evaluation of their site before the application is determined. The results of this will inform how the remains are to be dealt with at later stages in the development process.

Planning Policy Guidance Note 16 ‘Archaeology and Planning’ [opens in new window] provides the planning framework for dealing with the Historic Environment.

The PDNPA Cultural Heritage team welcomes pre-application enquiries regarding the archaeological potential of any proposed development site.

In order to avoid delay to the registering of your application pre-application consultation will be essential for the types of development listed below:

New buildings within conservation areas or the historic core of villages: for example on land close to historic churches, or paddocks/crofts on street frontages.

• Any major re-development/conversion of a traditional building (whether listed or not).
• All new build including:
  dwellings
  mineral operations
  industrial developments.
• Any development which will directly impact on a Scheduled Monument or its setting.
• Re-development/change of use of historic industrial buildings: for example mills, works.
• Sites on which there are existing earthworks: for example ridge and furrow, coal or lead mining remains.
• Proposals which require substantial ground re-modelling: for example new ponds, tennis courts, swimming pools, horse training ménages.
• Change of use of agricultural land to domestic use.

If your development falls into any of these categories please contact Philippa Davey in the Cultural Heritage team, telephone: 01629 816383 or email philippa.davey@peakdistrict.gov.uk.

Please note: any reports resulting from pre-application archaeological investigation should form part of the required ‘Design and Access Statement’ but can be submitted as a separate document.