Desk-Based
Assessment and Documentary Research
Archaeology South-East has many years experience producing desk-based
assessments (DBA) for a range of different clients and commercial
needs. We recognise the importance of providing detailed and accurate
information to clients, appraising them of all historic environment
issues that relate to their development proposals. Accurate information
at an early stage of a project assists the developer in both safeguarding
the historic environment resource and in reducing costs.
All our DBA reports conform to the recommendations set out by
the Institute of Field Archaeologists in Standards and Guidance
for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessments and utilise existing
information in order to establish the archaeological potential
of the study area. This information allows informed decisions
regarding the impact any proposed development may have on the
archaeological resource. Mitigation strategies can then be designed
to reduce this impact. The reports are compiled in line with PPG16
guidance, which seeks to consider the effects of development upon
archaeological remains.
The details of sources assessed for any specific DBA will vary
according to a number of variable factors, but a typical selection
would include:
• Archaeological records from County Historic Environment Records
(HER) and the National Monuments Record (NMR) including, where
available, HLC mapping.
• Air photographs held by the NMR, University of Cambridge and
County Council Historic Environment Services.
• Historic mapping (Ordnance Survey and manuscript) and documentation
held by County Record Offices, national and specialist archive
repositories.
• Literature searches of county histories (such as the Victoria
County History) and archaeological journals.
• Geological mapping and, where available, the results of geotechnical
investigations.
• Designated Site listings (such as Scheduled Ancient Monuments,
Listed Buildings and Registered Historic Parks and Gardens).
• Maritime data (such as protected and non-protected shipwrecks),
military sites such as aircraft crash sites, and other site-specific
data.
Contact: Richard
James
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