PPS5 PARIs

[vulpes]

Sorry folks but we seem to have started this thread on a false premise. The PPS5 guidance does not present preservation in situ as the preferred outcome at all. It merely states that:

99. Sites, places and buildings having, or suspected of having, archaeological interest can be particularly sensitive to development. Sometimes even very minor works can irrevocably damage the interests of a future investigation of the site. In such cases the applicant and local planning authority will need to:

1. Properly understand the nature, relative importance and physical extent of the archaeological interest in these sites through a desk-based assessment, field evaluation, basic appraisal or recording of the asset, as required.
2. Consider proposed uses that are benign to the conservation of the asset’s significance.
3. Seek to eradicate or minimise impact through design (for example, foundations that span sensitive areas rather than penetrate them).

From this it is quite clear that preservation in situ is just something to be considered alongside points 1 and 2. Furthermore, this document is guidance and is therefore not prescriptive just indicative of paths that may be taken. 'Seek to' and 'Consider' are not equivalent to 'will' or 'must'.

With regard to preservation in situ PPS5 etc signals a change in policy away from this being the ideal, to it being just one of a number of paths that may be taken....

Hope that clears it up, and sorry for the random font sizing!!:face-approve: