Championing Archaeological Businesses

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Month: March 2012

  • FAME responds to the National Planning Policy Framework

    FAME responds to the National Planning Policy Framework

    FAME has broadly welcomed the new National Planning Policy Framework, published yesterday.

    FAME welcomes the objectives of the new National Planning Policy Framework in delivering sustainable development while simplifying and streamlining the planning process.

    We welcome the integration of the historic environment into the overall framework for national planning, and the inclusion of the conservation of heritage assets as one of the core principles of planning. This will in our view provide greater clarity for clients and applicants, and clearer guidance to local authorities on their obligations in decision-taking affecting the historic environment.

    We welcome the obligation on local planning authorities to include strategic policies in local plans to deliver conservation and enhancement of the historic environment, to require applicants to provide assessments of significance in determining applications, and to seek opportunities where possible for the enhancement and better understanding of heritage assets.

    We also welcome the obligation on them to maintain or have access to an up-to-date Historic Environment Record. However, it is essential that such records are supported by the necessary specialist expertise, and we will continue to press for the maintenance of such expertise wherever it comes under threat.

    We remain concerned at the overemphasis in the document on designated heritage assets, at the potential expense of those non-designated heritage assets which make up the greater part of the historic environment.

    We welcome its recognition of the importance of recording and making publicly accessible archaeological information revealed by development, and look forward to working in partnership with local government to deliver these objectives in the future. We also look forward to a clearer definition of expert investigation, and recognition of the need for such investigation to be carried out by suitably-qualified archaeological organisations to nationally-agreed standards.

    Responses to the NPPF have also been issued by the CBA, The Heritage Alliance, IfA and Rescue.

  • FAME News 8: Spring 2012

    The FAME Spring newsletter is now out, with news of this year’s Forum, updates on the archaeological archives survey, a roundup of our recent work in advocacy and research, and other news for members. It can be viewed here.

  • Undeposited archives: we need your responses

    Undeposited archives: we need your responses

    FAME is participating in a new project to assess the extent and usage of undeposited archaeological archives across the UK.

    Evaluating the archaeological resource in store – informing the future is a project commissioned by English Heritage and the Society of Museum Archaeologists to explore a range of issues relating to archaeological archives. It aims to gather information both on the current situation and on the future of collection, storage and the provision of expertise. Further details of the project can be found here.

    Over recent years FAME members have expressed a number of concerns relating to archaeological archives, especially the growing problem of completed archives that cannot be deposited. FAME has therefore given its support to the project, and has agreed to gather information on the quantity and nature of archives held by archaeological practices that are completed but cannot be deposited because there is no store or museum able or willing to accept them.

    We are extending the survey to all archaeological practices in England, Scotland and Wales, and urge you to participate, so that we can build up the fullest and most accurate possible picture of the present situation across the UK. Only by gathering this information can we make a robust case for improved provision in the future.

    You can complete the survey by clicking here. If you wish to preview the survey and complete it at a later date, close the page afterwards rather than clicking the ‘done’ button (as clicking this will submit your response).

    All respondents will be entered into a prize draw for an Amazon Gift Voucher.

    The closing date for responses is 31 March.