Archaeology in the PPG16 Era: Investigations in England 1990-2010

Authors: Darvill, T., Barrass, K., Constant, V., Milner, E. and Russell, B.

Publisher: Oxbow Books Limited

Place of Publication: Oxford

ISBN: 9781789251081

Abstract:

Planning Policy Guidance Note 16: Archaeology and Planning (fondly known as PPG16), published in November 1990, marked a watershed in archaeological practice across England. Archaeological matters became fully integrated within the town and country planning system, and processes were set out for informed decision-making and the implementation of post-determination mitigation strategies. Current for 20 years, PPG16 defined a formative era in the history of archaeological endeavour in England.

This report draws together the results from the Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP), funded by English Heritage and Historic England, that systematically collected information about the nature and outcomes of more than 80,000 archaeological investigations between 1990 and 2010: the PPG16 Era. Using this robust ‘big data’, long-term trends in archaeological investigation and reporting are discussed and placed with their wider social, political, and professional contexts. British and European archaeological traditions contributed to the approaches espoused in PPG16, while changing political philosophies such as monetarism, instrumentalism, and localism coloured its implementation.

During the PPG16 Era 90 per cent of recorded archaeological investigations related to the planning process and the determination of consents for works in protected places. Most of this work was undertaken by contractors within a well-established cycle that hinged around the decision-making processes. Overall, 54 per cent related to pre-determination studies to inform decision-making, 32 per cent to post-determination mitigation works. About 10 per cent of recorded investigations related to work outside the planning system, including university research, investigations by local societies, and community archaeology projects.

Looking into the post-PPG16 Era, consideration is given to anticipated developments in the changing worlds of planning, property development, and archaeological practice. Future challenges including recruitment, changes to patterns of publication and archiving, and the on-going need for monitoring archaeological work at a national level are discussed.

https://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/archaeology-in-the-ppg16-era.html

Source: Manual