Good times over?

[vulpes]

They probably did, but not in strong enough terms. If there was an archaeological curator there they may have joined in protest. Remember EH are just another interested party (one of many) to planners.

Hardly an indication that all is well, or even that things are improving in Northants.

[the invisible man]

But presumably SMC was required?

[drpeterwardle]

As ever

http://www.northamptonboroughcouncil.com...ocA.ps.pdf

says

As this is a site of a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the WNDC should be satisfied that the Archaeological Evaluation does not highlight implications for this area.

The archaeological evaluation can be found on.

http://planning.northamptonboroughcounci...007&Plan=N

This discusses a high degree of disturbance and the survival of some remains. The PP is not shown as been passed - although the council did not raise any objection.

SMC is required and thus the pp cannot be implemented in any event until SMC has been obtained.

In my view while mistakes have been made it should be possible to build on this site and perserve the archaeology.

The key mistake was made a few years ago when the master plan for the area was drawn.

Dr Peter Wardle

[vulpes]

The 2nd link doesn't work. The fact still remains that neither WNDC or Northampton Borough have access to impartial archaeological advice. What was the key mistake that you refer to Peter? A few years ago Northants had a well-staffed Historic Environment Service at County level which also provided advice to the districts and other agencies. That is no longer the case. Hence the events of the other night outlined in the article. Who is going to advise WNDC on appropriate mitigation in this case? The developers?

[vulpes]

Further to this, below is a link to the archaeology and planning page of Northants County Council which I eventually found after being first presented with info about Northants Archaeology Unit who are a commercial unit not curators. This page clearly refers enquiries about archaeological implications of planning applications (other than minerals and waste) to contact the district councils for advice. There is, however, no one at the districts qualified to give this advice. http://www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/Envir...h_plan.htm

quote:You will need to contact the relevant local planning authority for advice relating to your particular proposal. For minerals and waste-related development proposals, contact the County Council. For residential and other developments, contact the appropriate district and/or borough council

Clearly this situation is to be applauded. Oh, that was sarcasm in case you missed my tone.

[drpeterwardle]

Before I go down the pub.

The scope of the mitigation is actually a matter for central government and the SMC so in fact what is the harm done?

The mistake occurred when the implications of developing this land was not highlighted in the master planning when there was a full archaeology service.

The evaluation report can be found via a search of the online planning histories.

Peter

[vulpes]

Yes. You're right, all is well in Northants. And the situation is improving (at least as regards minerals and waste and other County Council matters). [:I]

[tom wilson]

So Peter, beside the few very specific (and arguable) points you keep making, you don't think it is a problem that Northants has no county mounty?

[Sparky]

I find the following quote quite worrying given that the tense is in the future and expresses a desire to expect a green light to the development.
'As this is a site of a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the WNDC should be satisfied
that the Archaeological Evaluation does not highlight implications for this area.'
Were the evaluations carried out after the council raised no objections to the application? Am I missing something?
I'm still shocked that no scheduled monument consent was sought and that EH haven't raised an objection.
Did WNDC have an archaeological consultant who apparently hasn't done their job? Or did a consultant try to make a gamble?


'I wanna be a punk rocker but my mammy will ne let me'
Campbell

[Winders]

Two things:

1) NCC has a "county mountie", covering NCC planning issues and advising other local planning authorities on larger strategic sites.

2) SMC has been granted for the site.

Hope that clarifies things a little.