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.
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
