Archaeological Desk Based Assessment
What is it?
A Local Authority may request an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment (ADBA) in response to a planning application where additional information is required before a decision is made.
The ADBA will specifically assess the potential and significance of the archaeological (i.e. buried) resource within a site.
It may also be commissioned by a client in advance of land purchase or planning application in order to assess the archaeological implications of a site.
In all cases, an assessment will indicate the likelihood and level of heritage constraints that may arise within the proposed development.
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What does an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment involve?
An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment is a Heritage report. Our highly experienced Heritage Consultants will consult historic archives, assess and identify heritage constraints and submit the information in a report to the client.
Available and relevant information included within the report may include the following:
– Consultation of the local Historic Environment Record (HER)
– Targeted documentary research, consulting available and relevant historic maps and documents
– Site visit to identify potential archaeology within the site (if visible)
– Assessment of identified archaeological assets within the site
– Recommendations for further work if necessary and appropriate
What Happens Next?
The ADBA is submitted with other planning documentation and based on the response from the local council, a further programme of fieldwork may or may not be required.
Meet some of our Archaeological Desk Based Assessment Team
