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Archaeology - Consultation and Advice
Archaeological remains are evidence of the past developments in human activity. The evidence may be an artefact dug out of the ground or the more familiar surface remains such as castle and abbey ruins. It also relates to ancient settlements and field systems and to the more recent industrial past.
Archaeological remains are irreplaceable, they are a finite and non-renewable resource, often fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. The 20th century was a period of striking environmental change, where modern construction methods and agricultural techniques destroyed much archaeological heritage.
It is not possible to save all archaeological remains, and planning authorities have to strike a balance between the importance of archaeology and other factors such as the need for proposed development. The needs of archaeology and development can be reconciled, and potential conflict reduced if early discussions take place about the significance of, and most appropriate method of recording, the archaeological remains.
The case for preservation of archaeological remains is assessed on the individual merits of each case, taking into account archaeological policies and information in the Sites and Monuments Record.
The Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) is a record of all known sites where finds have been made or where archaeological evidence is known to exist from the pre-historic to the post-medieval and later periods. The database is constantly kept up to date and in Merseyside is maintained on behalf of each of the five districts by the Merseyside Archaeological Service at the National Museums Liverpool where the Archaeological Officer advises the local planning authority on all planning applications which relate to sites for which there is an entry on the SMR, giving advice on the appropriate means of recording or protection.
The Merseyside Archaeological Service also initiates research and excavation, and in association with the Merseyside Archaeological Society publishes papers of local archaeological interest, two examples of which are the Merseyside Historic Towns Survey Report, 1987, which has a chapter on the development of Newton-le-Willows, and more recently The Archaeology of a Changing Landscape - The Last Thousand Years on Merseyside, 2002, a survey of the rural fringes. This is now being complemented by the Merseyside Urban Characterisation Survey project, supported by English Heritage, which will provide a GIS-based spatial context for the SMR, will inform strategies for management of the historic environment and be used as a resource in the development planning process.
The contact officer for information about the SMR is :
Sarah-Jane Farr
Merseyside Archaeological Officer
National Museums Liverpool
Dock Traffic Office
Albert Dock
LIVERPOOL
L3 4AX
Tel: 0151 478 4258
E-mail: SarahJane.Farr@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk