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| Archaeology
in Local Government |
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| In
the 1960s, considerable damage was done to the nation's archaeological
resource, particularly in Britain's historic towns and cities,
through the lack of specialist archaeological advice available
to local planning authorities. However, since the first local
government archaeologists were appointed in the 1970s, great
progress has been made in projecting archaeology firmly into
the local planning process. |
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This
was emphasised by the publication of planning policy guidance
from the 1990s which
has led to a significant increase in demand for advice on
archaeological issues at local level. Subsequent guidance
has also emphasised the need for archaeological analysis and
recording to play a full role in the understanding and management
of historic buildings and the historic built environment.
Now, no assessment of the environmental impact of a development
proposal would be complete without an appraisal of its archaeological
implications.
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Working
within local government, archaeological services have four
key functions in order to encourage the identification, recording,
protection, management, interpretation and promotion of archaeological
sites and monuments:
- To
develop and maintain a comprehensive public information
resources (Historic Environment Records/Sites and Monuments
Records) for the understanding and enjoyment of the the
historic environment.
- To
ensure that all development and other land use takes into
account the need properly to conserve the archaeological
heritage.
- To
conserve the historic environment by improved management,
through, for example, agri-environment schemes which can
protect archaeological sites from the damaging effects of
ploughing.
- To
promote awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the historic
environment through education and outreach programmes.
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