The planning system in Scotland gives Councils a role in preserving and recording archaeological sites in their area.

In Dumfries and Galloway, specialist council staff create and update the record and advise planners and developers when sites are uncovered or where proposed plans conflict with known sites.

This is important work. Archaeological remains are a finite and irreplaceable resource . They are vulnerable to any form of ground disturbance, whether through human activity or through natural erosion. Once disturbed they cannot be repaired; once destroyed they cannot be renewed.

WHEN TO TAKE ACTION AND ADVICE

Development and land use change

Check the record - The settlement maps in the Finalised Local Plans show the known archaeological sites that fall within the settlement boundaries at the time of publication. However, new sites are continuously added to the record, so early discussions with the Council Archaeologist are recommended. Outwith the settlements, developers are recommended to consult the Council Sites and Monuments Record at an early stage, via the Council's archaeology service.

NB – this also applies to developments such as utilities that don't require planning permission that involve ground disturbance.

National Planning Policy Guideline 5; Archaeology and Planning states that:

 'The preservation of ancient monuments and their setting is a material consideration in determining planning applications and appeals'

and that where preservation proves impossible:

'the planning authority should satisfy itself, before granting planning permission, that the developer has made appropriate and satisfactory provision for the excavation, recording, analysis and publication of the remains'.

It is therefore important to identify issues at an early stage and incorporate all relevant archaeological information into a planning application, as this will assist the planning authority in determining the application. An archaeological desk based appraisal or the results of an archaeological field evaluation may be required.

Government funded land management schemes, including forestry - Applicants are required to conserve archaeological sites on their land. The Council archaeology service can supply archaeology audits and advice for farms to meet SGRPID requirements. There is a charge for this service.

Archaeologically Sensitive Areas are designated by the Council so that developers can be aware of extensive archaeological interests at an early stage and take account of them in their proposals for land use change. They cover both urban and rural areas of Dumfries and Galloway where a concentration of archaeological interest, or potential interest, covers large areas, or heritage features are the basis for visitor attractions. Their locations are shown in the Finalised Local Plans. The designation has been used to inform strategic guidance documents on forestry and wind farms.

Scheduled Ancient Monuments are designated as being of national importance by the Scottish Ministers. Historic Scotland is responsible for administering these sites and liaising with their owners. In addition to planning consent, any proposals affecting them must have prior approval from the Scottish Ministers and should be discussed at an early stage with Historic Scotland. There are around 900 such designated sites in Dumfries and Galloway.

Dumfries and Galloway Council archaeology service can offer Archaeological Consultancy to commercial clients. The work of the service includes the maintenance of the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) for Dumfries and Galloway as well as the provision of advice on newly discovered features and finds.