Local Policy

North East Lincolnshire Local Plan Adopted November 2003.

Policies shown in bold, with accompanying text in numbered paragraphs.

Policy BH11: Retention of Important Archaeological Remains.

Development proposals that will result in damage or destruction to scheduled monuments or to non-scheduled monuments of significant local or national importance or to the settings of such monuments will only be permitted if there are reasons of overriding public interest which outweigh the archaeological value of the site. In the event of such proposals being permitted the remains will be fully surveyed, recovered and documented before development takes place.

9.28 Archaeological remains that are scheduled to be of national importance or known remains of significant national or local importance are irreplaceable historical assets. Where affected by development there should be a presumption in favour of their physical preservation. The settings of such remains are also important as they might contain additional archaeological remains and, in any case, place the remains in their historical context for future interpretation.

9.29 There are currently ten Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the Borough: Beesby deserted medieval village, Beesby Ash Holt long barrow, Bradley Churchyard Cross, Cleethorpes Beacon Hill round barrow, Hatcliffe round barrow, Healing moated site, Irby civil war fort, Stallingborough shrunken medieval village, Stallingborough churchyard cross and West Ravendale premonstratensian priory chapel. The Borough is included in the Monuments Protection Programme for England which is reviewing scheduled monuments and more Scheduled Ancient Monuments are likely to be designated in the future. In addition there are many other archaeological remains of significance and examples of industrial archaeology, in particular those relating to the early dock system in Grimsby. In the implementation of Policy BH11, reference will be made to the area's Sites and Monuments Record and the Planning Department will be advised by the archaeology service regarding the potential impact of development proposals. In such circumstances that an overriding public interest outweighs the archaeological value of the site, a full survey, retrieval and documentation exercise will be undertaken as directed by the Council's Archaeology Services. Proposals in respect of Ancient Monuments are determined by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, to whom the English Heritage act as advisors.

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Policy BH12: Evaluation of Archaeological Remains.

Where development proposals affect sites of known or possible archaeological interest, the Borough Council will require an archaeological assessment/evaluation to be submitted as part of the planning application. Planning Permission will not be granted without adequate assessment of the nature, extent and significance of the remains present and the degree to which the proposed development is likely to affect them.

9.30 The Sites and Monuments Record for the area reveals an extensive number of sites of archaeological interest and locations where finds have been recorded. Whilst not all these sites are significant and may have already been excavated, many of the sites are relatively undisturbed and should be preserved in situ.

9.31 It must also be recognised that development is a necessity and in some instances, particularly in the urban and built up areas, this development may impinge upon archaeological remains. Where the extent or importance of a site may not be fully known, and development proposals for the area have been received, under the advice of the archaeology service applicants will have to provide evidence of a site assessment or evaluation before the planning application is determined.

9.32 When a satisfactory site evaluation has been carried out (this could be a field evaluation, perhaps with sample trenching) the development may or may not be permitted. Where development may be considered appropriate, this is likely to be subject to the archaeological remains being preserved in situ or further investigation and recording of the remains. These investigations may be the subject of a planning condition or legal agreement for excavation prior to development or maintenance of a watching brief during development. In these circumstances the recording and retrieval will be expected.

9.33 Although, in some instances the necessity for development may result in the disturbance of archaeological remains, the significance of the site and its artefacts need not be completely lost. Through the Council's archaeological services and education units, artefacts and remains may be safeguarded and interpreted for public display. Provisions for the interpretation of particular sites through leaflets and information display boards etc. may also be considered appropriate. Both developed and protected sites may be presented for public information and enjoyment. Developers, companies and landowners may benefit from the prestige value of such ventures.

9.34 The Council has its own Archaeology service who are available to discuss any development proposals, which may have an impact upon the archaeological heritage of the area. The "Living Archaeology" Strategy, which aims to preserve, protect, promote and popularise the area's archaeology is also available for further details of the service.

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