Consultation is open from 3 August 2026 9:00am to 25 September 2026 5:00pm
Policy GP/AR: Archaeology
1. Development affecting archaeological remains, whether known or potential, designated or undesignated, should take every practical and reasonable step to protect and, where possible, enhance their significance. In cases where the proposal could harm the significance of archaeological assets, the relevant National Planning Policy Framework tests will be applicable, where such harm will be required to be appropriately justified.
2. For sites with either known or potential archaeological interest, the following must be submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authorities:
a. An appropriate assessment to understand the nature and significance of any impacted sites or potential sites of archaeological interest; and
b. An appropriate level of archaeological investigation and recording to achieve preservation by record, including fieldwork, post-excavation analysis, dissemination of results, and deposition of archives at an appropriate repository.
3. Where development affects scheduled monuments or archaeological sites, there will be a presumption in favour of archaeological remains being preserved in-situ either through the modification of design, layout, drainage, landscaping or the siting and locations of foundations. Archaeological Assessments should therefore inform planning proposals including through master planning. Where in-situ preservation of an archaeological asset is not possible or feasible, the development will not be permitted until a programme of excavation, investigation and recording has been submitted to and agreed by the Local Planning Authorities prior to commencement.
Supporting information
7.87. Archaeology offers a unique insight into the history of Greater Cambridge, revealing irreplaceable evidence of former cultures, settlements, conflicts, burial sites, and other human activities. Preserving archaeological remains not only protects cultural heritage but also provides opportunities for education, research, and community engagement. Government guidance acknowledges the importance of these historic and archaeological sites and emphasises the need to safeguard them from being lost or damaged through development, ensuring they can continue to inform and inspire future generations.
7.88. Archaeological work in Cambridgeshire has discovered remains from early prehistory, with significant settlement known from at least the Iron Age. Development within the city’s boundaries has revealed significant archaeological remains, some of which are of national importance, and further discoveries are to be expected.
7.89. The Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Record (CHER) is a comprehensive database of which all archaeological remains within Cambridgeshire are located, providing information relating to location and nature of archaeological sites. The CHER can also be used to identify sites that may be at risk from development. This policy requires an archaeological assessment of sites within potential areas of archaeological importance to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected and to ensure that provision is made for the preservation of important remains, particularly those of national significance. Archaeological assessment prior to determination may comprise a combination of desk-based assessment, geophysical survey and/or field evaluation.
7.90. Historic England have prepared an Advice Note 17 – Planning and Archaeology, which provides guidance on how archaeology should be considered as part of the planning process. Applicants are advised to refer to this guidance (or successor documents) when preparing planning applications, particularly where a development could impact archaeological assets or where archaeological assessments or investigations are required.
7.91. Some archaeological sites are designated as scheduled monuments, although most assets are non-designated and sometimes unknown until development proposals come forward. There are over 100 scheduled monuments in Greater Cambridge. Scheduled monuments are nationally significant assets afforded great protection within the NPPF. The Local Planning Authorities recognise that archaeological remains are irreplaceable resources, which are valuable in their own right, but also valuable for their contribution to education, leisure and tourism. Proposals affecting scheduled monuments require scheduled monument consent in addition to planning permission. Where a site on which development is proposed contains or has the potential to contain heritage assets with archaeological interest, developers should submit as appropriate desk-based assessment and where necessary, a field evaluation.
7.92. Proposals that physically impact scheduled monuments will require scheduled monument consent, in addition to any necessary planning permission or Listed Building consent. Applications for scheduled monument consent must be submitted to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport before any work can begin that may affect a monument, whether above or below ground.
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All comments must be received by 25 September 2026 at 5pm.