Archaeologists dig in over planning reforms row
This is a very important feature of the agenda around rural development and I hope the issue is given the priority it deserves. This story tells us:
Historical discoveries could be at risk if government does not put archaeology at the heart of its new planning reforms, experts have warned.
Archaeologists, academics and professional bodies have launched a campaign to ensure their work with developers remains a legal requirement.
It has the backing of TV academics Prof Alice Roberts and Dan Snow, along with a number of MPs and peers.
The government said it was “determined to protect archaeological treasures”.
Boris Johnson first announced his proposals for reform of the planning system in England last year, with the aim of stopping local opponents blocking development in designated “growth” zones.
The Planning Bill was then confirmed in the Queen’s Speech in May – with the promise of a vote in Parliament in the coming year.
But there has already been disquiet on the Conservative benches over concerns it could side-line locals and lead to a “free for all” for development.
Now archaeologists are concerned that the current rigorous assessments required by developers – laid out in law in 1990 by the then-Conservative government – are missing and they want guarantees the bill will include them, else heritage in the country could be lost.