Lake District
Historic Environment
Strategy
JUNE 2007
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
1
LAKE DISTRICT HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2007
Introduction
1.
Definition of Historic Environment
2.
Requirement for Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
3.
Aim for the Historic Environment
Section A: Policy, Partnership and Resources
4.
Policy Framework
5.
Resourcing
Section B: Information, Research and Survey
6.
Information on the historic environment
7.
Survey and Research
Section C: Conservation
8.
Principles of Conservation
9.
Statutory Protection
10. Prioritising conservation resources
11. Development control and land management consultations
Section D: Interpretation and outreach
12. Interpretation and outreach
APPENDICES
1.
National Park statutory purposes and relevant Lake District National Park Management
plan policies
2.
The Legal Framework
3.
Joint Statement on the Historic Environment in the National Parks (NPAs and National
Agencies)
4.
The Conduct of Archaeological Work and Historic Building Recording in the Lake District
National Park
5.
The Lake District Historic Environment Advisory Group
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
2
INTRODUCTION
1. DEFINITION OF HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
1.1 The term ‘Historic Environment’ describes a wide range of features that combine to form
three of the special qualities of the Lake District identified in the National Park Management
Plan. It includes archaeological sites, historic buildings and settlements and historic elements
of the landscape.
Archaeology
1.2 The Lake District has a rich archaeological heritage that ranges in date from prehistory to
the recent past. Significant remains include Neolithic stone circles and axe factories, Bronze
Age settlements and burial cairns, Roman forts and roads, medieval abbeys and post
medieval industrial sites. Many of these archaeological features are visible in the landscape
but others are hidden under peat or pasture. Palaeoenvironmental deposits such as peat or
lake sediments are also important for what they can tell us about past environments.
Historic Buildings and Settlements
1.3 Historic buildings in the Lake District are a crucial element of the landscape. The
construction of farmhouses and barns reflects both the varied geology of the area and the
functional requirements of farming practices that have developed here. Other important
historic buildings include industrial structures and the villas and large houses of wealthy
inhabitants from the 18th century and later.
1.4 The villages and the towns of the Lake District also have a rich historic character often
rooted in medieval patterns of settlement. Industrial development and the rise of the tourist
industry from the 19th century have also left their marks.
Landscape
1.5 The special character of the Lake District landscape is the result of thousands of years of
human modification of fells, valleys and woodland. The last 1000 years have had the greatest
influence, including development of the distinctive stonewalled field systems and the effects of
industries such as mining and quarrying.
Designed landscape
1.6 Some parts of the Lake District landscape have been modified to form parks and gardens
around villas and large houses. The first examples resulted from the development of the
Picturesque movement and 18th century views on landscape. Later formal landscapes date
from the Romantic period and the early 20th century.
Cultural traditions
1.7 The Lake District also has a rich cultural heritage including a distinct dialect and
vocabulary, local sports and traditions such as rush-bearing and wrestling. The Lake District
landscape has inspired generations of artists and authors and was particularly important for
the Picturesque and Romantic movements. Key artists and authors who have been inspired by
the Lake District include William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, William Turner, John Constable,
Arthur Ransom and Beatrix Potter.
1.8 Early concerns for the protection of the Lake District landscape from the effects of
industrialisation led to the founding of the National Trust. This formed an important part of the
early landscape conservation movement and contributed to the establishment of National
Parks in Britain. The cultural associations of the Lake District landscape and its importance in
the formation of the early conservation movement, including formation of the National Trust,
are of universal significance. They form the basis for the current proposal for World Heritage
site inscription.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
3
A strategy for the Lake District’s cultural heritage will be developed with partners.
2. Requirement for a Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
National Park Management Plan
2.1 The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) publishes a National Park Management
Plan every five years. This is a strategic plan for managing the special qualities of the
National Park and contains the policies that the LDNPA and its partners will follow in order to
do this. It also contains an action plan for implementing those policies.
2.2 The current National Park Management Plan was published in 2004 and identifies 12
special qualities of the Lake District that require both protection and promotion of opportunities
for enjoyment. These include:



Rich Archaeology
Distinctive Settlement Character
Celebrated Social and Cultural Roots
2.3 The National Park Management Plan contains a commitment for the LDNPA to produce a
strategy for implementing the National Park Management Plan policies on the Historic
Environment (action under Policy HE2 – National Park Management Plan Action Plan 2004).
The Historic Environment Strategy forms part of the National Park Management Plan. It will
provide more detail for the planning and implementation of historic environment work in the
Lake District by the LDNPA and its partners. It will also include an action plan for the five-year
period of the National Park Management Plan.
2.4 Conservation and enhancement of the historic environment is also achieved through
implementation of policies for development. In the past relevant policies have been included in
the Lake District Local Plan and the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan. This
framework is currently being replaced by the Regional Spatial Strategy and the Local
Development Framework.
LDNPA Business Plan 2006 - 2009
2.5 The LDNPA’s Business Plan also identifies the requirement to produce a Lake District
Historic Environment Strategy (c/f LDNPA Business Plan Priority Delivery Aim 7.3A)
Timespan for the Historic Environment Strategy
2.6 It is envisaged that the Lake District Historic Environment Strategy will run in parallel with
the 5 year cycle of the National Park Management Plan. The Action Plan arising from the
Strategy should link to the 3 year cycle of the Business Plan, with annual reviews. The current
Strategy will therefore last for two years until the next review of the National Park Management
Plan. The Business Plan will also be renewed after 2 years.
Lake District National Park Vision
2.7 In the winter of 2005-2006 the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) initiated a
process that brought people and organisations together to agree a Vision for the Lake District
National Park in 2030.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
4
The Vision for the Lake District
The Lake District National Park will be an inspirational example of sustainable
development in action.
A place where its prosperous economy, world class visitor experiences and vibrant
communities come together to sustain the spectacular landscape, its wildlife and
cultural heritage.
Local people, visitors, and the many organisations working in the National Park or have
a contribution to make to it, must be united in achieving this.
What will it actually look like?
The 4 key elements of the National Park will act as one and we will see:
A prosperous economy – Businesses will locate in the National Park because they value the
quality of opportunity, environment and lifestyle it offers – many will draw on a strong
connection to the landscape. Entrepreneurial spirit will be nurtured across all sectors and
traditional industries maintained to ensure a diverse economy.
World class visitor experiences –High quality and unique experiences for visitors within a
stunning and globally significant landscape. Experiences that compete with the best in the
international market.
Vibrant communities –People successfully living, working and relaxing within upland, valley
and lakeside places where distinctive local character is maintained and celebrated.
A spectacular landscape – A landscape which provides an irreplaceable source of
inspiration, whose benefits to people and wildlife are valued and improved. A landscape
whose natural and cultural resources are assets to be managed and used wisely for future
(see
http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/index/looking_after/visioning.htm)
generations.
The Vision for the Lake District National Park will underpin all the statutory plans and other
plans that the LDNPA produces.
3. Aim for the Historic Environment
3.1 The historic environment is one of the key elements of the Lake District. The character of
the landscape that we cherish has been shaped by human action over thousands of years. It
is vital that we protect this special characteristic of the area for future generations. However
the Lake District is not a museum and we must accept that change will occur. We must
manage change in order to conserve the historic character of the area. The context for
conservation of the landscape is provided in the Vision for the Lake District and policies and
objectives are described in the Lake District National Park Management Plan (2004). This
includes strategic policies for the historic environment. Policies dealing with development and
the historic environment are included in the Regional Spatial Strategy and will be included in
the Local Development Framework.
3.2 English Heritage and government vision and objectives for the historic environment are
described in the two documents Power of Place (2000), the report which arose from the major
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
5
review of policies relating to the historic environment led by English Heritage and The Historic
Environment: A Force for Our Future (Department of Culture, Media and Sport and
Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, 2001).
OUR VISION FOR THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT IN THE LAKE DISTRICT:
The historic environment in the Lake District will be well researched, recorded
and protected. It will be accessible to local residents and visitors and will be
understood and appreciated. It will be a crucial component of the sustainable
management of the landscape and will underpin initiatives that contribute to the
economic well-being of the area.
Peat Hut on Boot Bank, Eskdale
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
6
SECTION A: POLICY, PARTNERSHIP AND RESOURCES
4. POLICY FRAMEWORK
4.1 The Lake District Historic Environment Strategy is designed to provide a strategic
framework for all partner organisations’ historic environment work. It will have a key role in
directing the historic environment work of the Lake District National Park Authority. The
National Park Authority and partner organisations also have other policies and strategies that
will have a bearing on the Historic Environment Strategy.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
7
5.
RESOURCING
Partnership in Historic Environment work
5.1 The LDNPA has a key role in coordinating protection, management and interpretation of
the Lake District’s historic environment. However, the Authority is unable to achieve its
objectives for the historic environment without a close partnership working with other
organisations. This is recognised formally through the establishment of the Lake District
Historic Environment Advisory Group and development of the Lake District Historic
Environment Strategy (see Appendix 5). In addition the National Park Authorities have
signed a ‘Joint Statement On The Historic Environment In The National Parks Of England
And Wales’ with English Heritage (see Appendix 3).
Sources of funding
5.2 The LDNPA and many of its partner organisations fund a range of historic environment
work in the Lake District. Some funding is provided directly by partner organisations but
external sources are increasingly important, particularly the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Partnership approaches, particularly those involving the local community, can often improve
the success of funding bids.
5.3 Some of the most significant funding in recent years has come through the agrienvironment schemes. The Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme,
funded by DEFRA, has provided substantial resources. Around 700 historic farm buildings
have been repaired with ESA funding and with specialist advice from the LDNPA. It is
anticipated that the new Environmental Stewardship scheme, which replaces the ESA from
2005, will continue to provide funding for the conservation of the historic environment. The
LDNPA has committed substantial resources to providing information and advice for
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
8
implementation of the Lake District ESA and anticipates similar involvement in the
Environmental Stewardship scheme.
Organisation
Lake District National Park Authority
National Trust
English Heritage
Natural England
Forestry Commission
United Utilities
Friends of the Lake District
Economic development agencies (North
West Development Agency and Cumbria
Vision)
CWAAS and other local societies
Funding for historic environment work
 Revenue funding for historic
environment staff;
 Match funding for survey and
conservation projects;
 Sustainable Development Fund;
 Important role of providing pump
priming grants and support for
external funding bids;
 Key partnership role with local
communities and others;
 Funds for managing historic
environment properties.
 Revenue funding for historic
environment staff;
 Funding for management of historic
environment properties;
 Funding for landscape and buildings
recording.
 Revenue funding for historic
environment staff;
 Grants for repairs to monuments,
capacity building and project
development.
 Funding through the ESA and
Environmental Stewardship for
protection and repair of historic
environment features;
 Financial assistance to landowners for
assessment and management of
historic environment features in
woodland;
 Funds for survey and conservation of
historic environment features on
Forestry Commission land.
 Funding for survey and conservation
for historic environment features on
United Utilities property.
 Grants for protection and
conservation of historic environment
features.
 Funds for large infrastructure projects
such as Lowther Castle and Gardens.


Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
CWAAS provides small grants for
research and publication;
Other local groups provide funds for
survey and conservation projects with
which they are involved.
9
PRIORITY DELIVERY AIMS






The LDNPA will work with partners to review the policy framework for the historic
environment in strategic documents;
The LDNPA and partners will agree priorities for partnership funding and external
funding bids to be incorporated in partners’ business plans;
Integration of economic regeneration and historic environment outputs in projects;
Targeting and funding of historic environment priorities through Environmental
Stewardship;
Maintain level of HLF funding for Historic Environment;
Develop the role of the Historic Environment Advisory Group and its link to the Lake
District National Park Partnership;
KEY ACTIONS
Ref
1.1
Our targets
Policies and
strategies for all
partner
organisations
that integrate
protection of the
historic
environment in
all activities
Ref
1.1A
Our activities
Complete the Lake
District Historic
Environment
Strategy
1.1B
Contribute historic
environment
policies and
information to the
Local Development
Framework process
Contribute historic
environment
policies and
information to the
National Park
Management Plan
review
1.1C
1.2
A strategy for
Lake District
cultural heritage
1.2A
Develop Lake
District cultural
heritage strategy
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
Lead
Lake District
Historic
Environment
Advisory
Group
LDNPA
Complete
2007
LDNPA
2008/9
LDNPA
2010
2008/9
10
SECTION B: INFORMATION, RESEARCH AND SURVEY
6. INFORMATION ON THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
6.1 We must base management of the historic environment in the Lake District on an
adequate level of knowledge and understanding. The key to this is the provision of
specialist advice to developers and land managers by LDNPA historic environment staff,
using information maintained in the Lake District Historic Environment Record (LDHER).
Advice is also provided for National Trust properties by its own staff and English Heritage
deals with sites with statutory designations.
The Lake District Historic Environment Record (LDHER)
6.2 The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) maintains the LDHER. This is the
primary record for the historic environment in the Lake District (formally adopted by Policy
and Overview Committee, August 2004). The LDHER comprises a computerised database
and digital maps. It includes records for archaeological sites and finds, historic buildings
and historic landscape features derived from a variety of sources. Information contained in
the LDHER is a material consideration in the planning process and other statutory
procedures (Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995;
Hedgerow Regulations 1997). An HER Data Audit was carried out in 2005 with English
Heritage funding and the results have been used to implement an improvement
programme.
6.3 Accurate and up-to-date information on the condition of archaeological sites and historic
buildings is crucial for their protection and conservation and for prioritising resources. This
can be obtained through targeted condition surveys carried out by the LDNPA and partners.
The LDNPA has made a start with the implementation in 2006 of the Lake District
Monuments at Risk survey (LD MARS). This has initially targeted Scheduled Ancient
Monuments. It will contribute to the State of the Park Report that is being prepared by the
LDNPA and also to English Heritage’s Scheduled Monuments At Risk Report.
Other Historic Environment Records
6.4 Information on the historic environment in the Lake District is also held by other
organisations. The National Trust maintains a Sites and Monuments Record for its
properties in the Lake District, which is presently the definitive record for National Trust
properties. Cumbria County Council maintains a Historic Environment Record for Cumbria
outside the boundary of the Lake District National Park and English Heritage maintains the
National Monuments Record. These records contain some information that is additional to
that held in the LDHER.
Records of statutory designations
6.5 The LDHER also contains information on sites that are subject to national designations
including Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Parks
and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. English Heritage holds the definitive record for
these. The LDHER contains the definitive record of Conservation Areas in the National
Park.
Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC)
6.6 The LDNPA has implemented the Cumbria and Lake District Historic Landscape
Characterisation Project in conjunction with Cumbria County Council and with financial
assistance from English Heritage. This forms part of a national programme to identify and
characterise the historic character of the Cumbrian landscape and to produce data that can
be used for a variety of purposes, including managing landscape change and education.
The results of this project will be incorporated in the LDHER.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
11
PRIORITY DELIVERY AIMS






Improve the structure of the Lake District Historic Environment Record to achieve
nationally agreed standards (MIDAS 1998 – www.english-heritage.org.uk/midas ;
Enhance the information content of the LDHER through programmes of research
and survey;
Extend the LD MARS survey to sites and features without statutory protection;
Develop a Buildings at Risk Register;
A system of data exchange between historic environment records for the Lake
District;
Improved public access to the LDHER (see ‘Access to Archaeology’ project - Priority
Delivery Aim 8.1A).
KEY ACTIONS
Ref
2.1
Our targets
A LDHER with a
structure that
meets national
standards and
with improved
information
content
Ref
2.1A
2.1B
2.1C
2.1E
2.2
Arrangements
for sharing of
information with
other
organisations
2.2A
Our activities
Complete the
recasting of the
LDHER
Enter current
backlog of data into
LDHER
Prepare a Buildings
at Risk Register for
Grade II listed
buildings in the
National Park
Complete MARS
survey of Scheduled
Ancient Monuments
and develop
programme to
investigate condition
of other sites and
features
Complete
arrangements for
data exchange with
National Trust SMR
Lead
LDNPA
Complete
2007
LDNPA
2008/9
LDNPA
2009
LDNPA
2009
LDNPA/NT
2008
7. SURVEY AND RESEARCH
7.1 Ongoing survey and research are essential for maintaining sound information for
management and conservation of the historic environment. It is important that such work is
carried out to recognised standards, particularly where it is informing a planning application
or is utilising public funding. Standards for the conduct of archaeological work and historic
building recording in the Lake District National Park are included in Appendix 3. The
partners will seek to ensure that any historic environment survey or research that is
undertaken in the National Park conforms to these standards.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
12
Research Strategies
7.2 Funding for archaeological and architectural research is generally limited. It is therefore
important, particularly where public funding is involved, to ensure that wherever possible, all
work contributes to agreed research objectives.
7.3 The Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers North West (ALGAO NW)
has recently led development of an Archaeological Research Strategy for the North West
Region (http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol/archaeology/arf/). This has involved the
participation of the wider archaeological community in the North West, including contracting
units, archaeological societies and individual researchers. This Strategy will be used to
direct future survey and research at a regional level and will provide a basis for seeking
funding. It will also form the strategic basis for development of a Historic Environment
Research Strategy for the Lake District.
Survey and research
7.4 Archaeological and architectural survey and research are an ongoing requirement for
the management of the historic environment in the Lake District. They are also important
for developing both general and specific understanding of the historic environment for local
people and visitors. Only 20% of the National Park has been subject to archaeological
survey of at least a
basic level and
records for historic
buildings outside
National Trust
ownership are poor.
Recent archaeological
survey projects have
included the Lake
District National Park
Survey, the
LDNPA/NT medieval
bloomery project,
English Heritage’s
survey of the
Cumbrian gunpowder
industry and surveys
of medieval and later
mining sites in the
Coniston and Caldbeck fells by local mining groups. Archaeological survey in the Duddon
Valley is being carried out through the Ring Cairns to Reservoirs project (Priority Delivery
Aim 8.2). All of these have provided new and valuable data at different levels.
7.5 Archaeological survey needs to be carried out at levels appropriate to requirements,
from basic walkover survey at a landscape scale to detailed recording of individual
monuments. Historic Buildings survey is required at both settlement level and for individual
buildings.
7.6 In some circumstances archaeological excavation will be necessary either to derive
information for management purposes or for research in order to enhance available
information on archaeological sites in the Lake District. All archaeological fieldwork should
be carried out to appropriate standards (see Appendix 3).
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
13
PRIORITY DELIVERY AIMS
 Better information on the character and condition of the historic environment in the
Lake District;
 A programme of archaeological and historic buildings research and survey, carried
out within agreed frameworks and to defined standards;
 A detailed research strategy for the National Park that will address our specific
needs. This will need to cover the entire historic environment, including
archaeology, buildings and historic landscape;
 An increase in university-based research in the Lake District (including the emerging
University for Cumbria);
KEY ACTIONS
Ref
3.1
Our targets
High quality,
targeted
research,
survey and
fieldwork
projects
Ref
3.1A
3.1B
3.1C
3.1D
3.1E
3.1F
3.1G
3.1H
Our activities
Develop a Lake District
Historic Environment
Research Strategy
Complete
archaeological survey
of a further 10% of
Lake District National
Park
Complete project:
‘Rings Cairns to
Reservoirs:
archaeological survey
and excavation in the
Duddon Valley
Survey of Shap Abbey
and environs
Publish medieval
bloomery survey
Seek funding for and
resume annual
programme for
archaeological survey
of Forestry
Commission properties
Establish link with at
least one University
Department of
Archaeology
Publish Lake District
National Park Survey
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
Lead
LDNPA
Complete
2008/9
LDNPA/NT
2009
LDNPA/DV
LHG
2008
EH
?
LDNPA/NT
2009
FC/LDNPA
2007/8
LDNPA
2007/8
Oxford
Archaeolog
y North
and
English
Heritage
2008
14
SECTION C: CONSERVATION
8. Principles of conservation
8.1 The key to successful conservation is managing change so that the essential
characteristics of individual areas of the National Park are not eroded. Our programmes
and strategies will be based on characterisation studies at different levels, including the
Lake District Landscape Character Assessment (to be completed in 2007), the Historic
Landscape Characterisation (HLC) and Conservation Area Assessments. English Heritage
is developing a set of Conservation Principles, which is currently out for consultation.
8.2 The LDNPA and its partners have agreed that there is a need to seek social and
economic benefit from a wide range of activities which they carry out in the Lake District.
Opportunities need to be sought to for economic and social benefits from conservation of
the historic environment. This could range from the development and marketing of
traditional building skills to the sympathetic reuse of historic buildings. Links to the tourism
industry will be important both for providing added interest through the historic environment
and for protecting it from overuse.
8.3 The conservation of archaeological sites will generally involve consolidation and repair
rather than wholesale reconstruction. The provision of information and advice is important
in order to avoid damage. Pre-emptive action to prevent damage, for example by the
removal of scrub from sensitive sites, will always be preferable to dealing with damage at a
later date. It is also important to use appropriate materials and techniques, particularly when
dealing with monuments constructed of stone.
8.4 The character of historic buildings can be affected through change of use, extensions,
and alterations and deterioration. Change is managed primarily through the planning
process but information and advice is also important in raising the awareness of owners
and contractors of the sensitivities of historic structures. The principles of good conservation
of buildings for the repair and retention of original historic fabric include minimal intervention
and the avoidance of conjectural restoration. Proper and timely maintenance, the use of
appropriate historic materials and techniques and the careful detailing of alterations and
additions are essential and inter-related principles.
8.5 Historic elements of the wider landscape are also important and repair and maintenance
of features such as stone walls and trackways should also be undertaken using appropriate
materials and techniques.
Winder Hall limekiln before and after conservation work
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
15
Other conservation interests
8.6 The Lake District is a cultural landscape in which spectacular natural features have
been modified and lie in juxtaposition with man-made features. The complex geology of the
Lake District has been of great significance as a resource for mining and quarrying, and has
contributed to the character and construction of vernacular buildings. The rich flora and
fauna of the Lake District has in some cases been produced by human action and both
management and interpretation of the historic environment must necessarily take into
account the natural environment. Historic features such as field boundaries, routeways and
ancient woodland form the grain of the landscape and are integral to management
strategies for landscape conservation.
8.7 Conservation of the historic environment must therefore form part of an holistic
approach to landscape management. In some case decisions will have to be made
regarding the balance of interests and this should be carried out on a site-by site basis.
Skills
8.8 Good historic environment conservation work is often dependent on the availability of
appropriate materials and local skills in buildings and crafts. In the Lake District essential
skills include stone walling and building with traditional lime mortar and render.
PRIORITY DELIVERY AIMS






Increased opportunities for linking conservation of the historic environment with
social and economic well-being;
Conservation programmes based on comprehensive characterisation studies.
A Lake District Landscape Assessment that fully incorporates the historic
environment, including the results of the HLC, forming the basis for conservation
strategies.
Conservation Area Assessments and management plans completed;
Retain traditional building skills and techniques in the Lake District through training
and maintenance of lists of architects, contractors and craftsmen;
Integration of management of the historic environment with planning, agrienvironment grant schemes and with other land management issues.
KEY ACTIONS
Ref
4.1
Our targets
A landscape
assessment that
can form the
basis for
conservation of
the historic
environment
Ref
4.1A
4.1B
4.2
A strategic
approach to
enhance the built
4.2A
Our activities
Partners ensure
that the various
characterisation
studies are fully
integrated with the
Lake District
Landscape
Character
Assessment
Complete Lake
District Landscape
Character
Assessment
Review
Conservation area
designation criteria
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
Lead
Landscape
Character
Assessment
Partnership
Complete
2007
Landscape
Character
Assessment
Partnership
LDNPA
2007
2007
16
environment of
4.2B
settlements (c/f
LDNPA Business
Plan 2006/9 14.2)
4.2C
4.3
An increase in
the number of
archaeological
sites and historic
buildings in good
condition
4.4
Promote
4.4A
Traditional skills
for sustainable
management of
the landscape (c/f
LDNPA Business
Plan 2006/9 6.3)
4.4B
4.5
Ensure that
planning
proposals
affecting historic
buildings and
features reflect
their character
and setting and
the principles of
conservation
4.3A
4.5A
56% of
Conservation
Areas have
appraisal and
management
plans in place
Develop a
programme of
Conservation Area
Enhancement
schemes
Develop
programme,
including targets,
for conservation of
monuments and
buildings at risk
arising from the
MARS survey and
the proposed
Buildings at Risk
survey
Agree with
partners a
programme to
support the
retention of
traditional skills
LDNPA
2009
LDNPA and
partners
2007/8
LDNPA
2009/10
LDNPA
2008
Support the annual
drystone walling
and hedge laying
competitions
organised by
Friends of the
Lake District
Carry out
appropriate
research including
characterisation
studies,
Conservation Area
appraisals and
historic buildings
survey
Friends of
the Lake
District
Ongoing
LDNPA
Ongoing
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
17
9. Statutory Protection
9.1 The following categories of statutory protection apply to the historic environment:
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Listed Buildings
Register Of Parks and Gardens Of
Special Historic Interest in England
Conservation Areas
World Heritage Site Inscription
Sites of national significance, designated by
the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and
Sport under provisions in the Ancient
Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act
1979.
Buildings of ‘special architectural or historic
interest’ designated by the Secretary of
State under the Planning Act 1990.
Buildings are listed as Grade I, II* and II.
Register compiled by English Heritage under
Section 8C of the Historic Buildings and
Ancient Monuments Act 1953. Sites are
graded Grade I, II* or II.
Designated by local authorities under the
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation
Areas) Act 1990.
See below
White Paper - Heritage Protection for the 21st Century
9.2 The Government has recently set out to review the current system of heritage protection
in England and following extensive consultation published a White Paper in April 2007. The
core proposals seek to integrate the current
designation regimes into a single national
‘Register of Historic Sites and Buildings of
England’ and to introduce greater simplicity,
flexibility, openness and rigour within it. The new
list is to be compiled of international, national and
local designations of ‘historic assets’. Primary
legislation will be required to implement the major
proposals, however English Heritage has been
asked to coordinate a number of pilot projects to
test if the application of the proposed new system
would be beneficial. The Central Fells Neolithic
stone axe production sites in the Lake District
National Park was chosen as one of these pilot
projects and a pilot Heritage Protection
Agreement and management plan was completed
in 2006. Other measures are likely to include a
statutory requirement on local government for
maintenance of Historic Environment Records
and transfer of the consents regime for heritage
assets to local government. Enactment of
heritage protection reform (possibly by 2010) is
likely to require a review of this Historic
Environment Strategy.
Pike of Stickle, Langdale
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
18
World Heritage Sites
9.3 The World Heritage Convention, adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1972, established the World Heritage List as a
means of recognising that some places, both natural and cultural, are of sufficient
importance to be the responsibility of the international community as a whole, and as a tool
for conservation. By joining the Convention (the UK ratified the World Heritage Convention
in 1984), nation states are pledged to care for World Heritage Sites in their territory. World
Heritage Sites and those placed on the Tentative List, are a material consideration in the
planning process. Part of the Hadrian’s Wall Military Zone World Heritage site lies within
the Lake District National Park.
9.4 In 1986 the Lake District National Park was nominated for inclusion on the World
Heritage List as both a natural and cultural property. The nomination was deferred, yet was
instrumental in prompting UNESCO to review the need for a Cultural Landscape category.
The Lake District remained on the United Kingdom’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites
and in 2006, following 4 years work on identifying and defining the Lake District’s
Outstanding Universal Value as a cultural landscape, a decision was taken by the Lake
District World Heritage Site Steering Group to proceed with developing a nomination bid by
2009/10.
STATUTORY PROTECTION
In the Lake District National Park we have:
275 Scheduled Monuments
9 Registered Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest
1744 Listed Buildings
21 Conservation Areas
1 (part of) World Heritage Site
PRIORITY DELIVERY AIMS



The LDNPA will be ready to take on the new responsibilities outlined in Heritage
white paper;
A continuation of the process of statutory designation of archaeological sites and
historic buildings in the Lake District once the new system of heritage protection is in
place;
A World Heritage Site nomination document and management plan for the Lake
District which incorporate the full scope of the historic environment.
KEY ACTIONS
Ref
5.1
Our targets
A representative
range of
archaeological
sites, historic
buildings and
features with
statutory
Ref
5.1B
Our activities
Make
recommendations
for statutory
protection of
archaeological sites
and historic
buildings
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
Lead
EH/LDNPA
Complete
Ongoing
19
5.2
protection
5.1B
World Heritage
site Inscription
for the Lake
District(c/f
LDNPA Business
Plan 2006/9
7.3B)
5.2A
Prepare for
implementation of
the Heritage
Protection white
paper
Work with partners
to prepare and
submit a nomination
document and
management plan
for a Lake District
World Heritage Site
LDNPA/EH
2010
Lake
District
World
Heritage
Steering
Group
2010
10. Prioritising conservation resources
10.1 In the 1990s there was a substantial programme of conservation work in the Lake
District directed at historic buildings, conservation areas and archaeological sites. This
work was often coordinated and part-funded by the LDNPA in conjunction with partner
organisations. Key projects included work in the Ambleside and Keswick conservation
areas, conservation work to mining remains at Myers Head, Hartsop, Honister slate quarry
and Coniston Copper Mines, and a large number of listed buildings and small features
including limekilns. Some of this work was carried out in conjunction with English Heritage
or the National Trust. The National Trust also carried out major projects at Force Crag
Mine, Greenburn mine and other sites.
10.2 Conservation resources will be directed first to sites with statutory designation that
require attention. This is in line with English Heritage practice which directs grants towards
Scheduled Monuments and Grades 1 and II* Listed Buildings and those sites on its
Buildings at Risk Register (www.english-heritage.org.uk). However, the LDNPA and its
partners in the Lake District also have a responsibility to conserve other sites that have a
local significance in order to protect the special character of the Lake District. A proportion
of available resources will therefore also be targeted towards non-designated sites that
require conservation. Prioritisation will be based on the results of the Lake District
Monuments at Risk Survey and the Local Buildings at Risk survey that is proposed.
Repairs to barn, Ecclerigg
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
20
10.3 Agri-environment schemes have been identified as an important source of resources
for historic environment conservation (see section 5.3) and the LDNPA provides information
and advice to applicants and to Natural England in order to influence the targeting of
available funds towards archaeological and historic features. The English Woodlands Grant
Scheme, administered by the Forestry Commission, is also a potential source of funds for
some areas of work.
10.4 The LDNPA has carried out a series of successful Conservation Area Enhancement
schemes in Keswick, Ambleside, Ravenglass and other settlements. Such schemes are an
effective way of securing enhancement of the historic environment and have a direct benefit
for social and economic well-being.
10.5 The LDNPA owns or leases a number of properties either for their importance for the
historic environment or which include significant archaeological sites or buildings. These
include the Duddon Iron Furnace, the Bobbin Mill at the Howk, Caldbeck, various
woodlands with industrial remains and the Caldbeck Fells which contain important early
mining sites. The LDNPA’s own resources must in part be directed towards these in order
to demonstrate good practice in management and conservation.
10.6 The National Trust owns or manages approximately 25% of the area of the National
Park, including a large number of important historic buildings and landscapes rich in
archaeological remains. Preservation and management of the historic environment is
central to the National Trust’s emerging Lake District Vision and Regional Archaeological
Management Plan.
10.7 English Heritage owns Stott Park Bobbin mill and manages the Guardianship sites of
Ravenglass bath house and Shap Abbey. Other organisations such as the Forestry
Commission also own properties in the Lake District containing historic buildings and
archaeological sites.
PRIORITY DELIVERY AIMS


LDNPA and partners’ funding needs to be identified and allocated in order to
implement fully this historic environment strategy.
External sources of funding, notably the Heritage Lottery Fund, need to be fully
explored with partners.
KEY ACTIONS
Ref
6.1
6.2
Our targets
New funding
identified for
conservation
of the historic
environment
High quality
conservation
projects for a
range of sites
Ref
6.1A
Our activities
Develop project
proposal for a Lakeland
Mining Heritage project
Lead
LDNPA/NT/
Mining
Forum
6.2A
Complete conservation
of the Backbarrow
Ironworks
Greenside lead mine:
completion of water
monitoring programme;
develop and implement
project for Kepple Cove
dam and Tailings Dam
Owner/LDNP 2008
A/EH
6.2B
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
Complete
2009
LDNPA/Envir 2008
onment
Agency/Ede
n District
Council/EH
21
6.2C
Develop conservation
programmes for:
 Calder Abbey
 Cunsey Forge
 Winster Potash
Kiln
 Lowwood
Gunpowder
works
LDNPA and
partners
2008-10
11. Development control and land management consultations
Obtaining information and advice on the historic environment
11.1 Providing information and advice to inform development proposals and land
management decisions is crucial for protection of the historic environment. The earlier such
information and advice is obtained, the better the result as historic environment interests
can be properly accounted for in decision-making processes and conflicts of interest can be
avoided.
11.2 The LDNPA maintains the LDHER and employs historic environment staff in order to
provide information and advice to all who require it. The LDHER should therefore generally
be the first point of contact within the National Park for information and advice on the
historic environment. This applies to all development proposals, agri-environment
schemes, forestry, and general enquiries. Where enquiries are made concerning sites with
statutory protection, the LDNPA will ensure that English Heritage is also consulted. The
LDNPA will also ensure that the National Trust is consulted regarding sites on its property.
Development Control
11.3 The LDNPA is the planning authority for the National Park and is committed to
securing conservation of the special features of the Lake District through implementation of
appropriate planning policies. The Authority’s historic environment staff provides specialist
advice to Members and planners to assist with determination of planning applications.
11.4 The importance of the planning system as an instrument for protecting and enhancing
the historic environment is amplified by government advice contained in Planning Policy
Guidance Notes 15 (Planning and the Historic Environment) and 16 (Archaeology and
Planning). The historic environment is recognised in the Guidance as an irreplaceable
record and that there should be a presumption in favour of its physical preservation (See
Appendix 2). These Guidance Notes are due to be reviewed and replaced by the
government in 2007, following the Heritage Protection Review.
11.5 Current policies outlined in the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan (2006)
and Lake District National Park Local Plan 1998) seek to prevent development which is
detrimental to the historic environment. The developing policy framework of Regional
Spatial Strategy and Local Development Framework will replace this. In determining
planning applications the Lake District National Park Authority will not normally permit
development which has an adverse effect on archaeological remains or the historic
landscape (Lake District Local Plan Policies NE 14 and NE16).
11.6 The Local Plan aims include: to conserve and enhance the character and qualities of
settlements and their visual and physical relationship to the landscape and have special
regard to preserving and enhancing the character, appearance and setting of conservation
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
22
areas and buildings of special architectural and historic interest (Local Plan Policies BE1,
11, 15, 16).
Development of the Backbarrow Ironworks
11.7 English Heritage is a statutory consultee for planning applications that involve sites
with statutory protection and works closely with the LDNPA on such proposals.
Utilities/Road Schemes
11.8 The LDNPA is committed to working with statutory undertakers and highways
agencies to ensure that the historic environment is considered during all schemes for new
underground pipelines, overhead wire and road scheme constructions. Conservation and
enhancement opportunities are always the priority when negotiating with companies.
English Heritage is also involved in providing advice and has recently published the
guidance document Streets for All.
Other consultations
11.9 The LDNPA is regularly consulted on other proposals for changes of land use outside
the planning system. Some of these are statutory consultations or consultations carried out
under national agreements. They include consultations on forestry work, rights of way
schemes, hedgerow removal, Environmental Stewardship applications, Environment
Agency work and other proposals.
PRIORITY DELIVERY AIMS




Protection and management of the historic environment fully incorporated in the
Local Development Framework;
LDNPA to provide early advice on the historic environment to applicants;
Maximise benefits for the historic environment of the Environmental Stewardship
scheme in the Lake District through the provision of information and advice by
LDNPA to Natural England and applicants to the scheme.
Training in historic environment matters for LDNPA staff and Members, partner
organisations, land managers and others.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
23

The historic environment adequately covered in property management plans.
KEY ACTIONS
Ref
7.1
7.2
7.3
Our targets
An integrated
Environmental
Land
Management
Service(c/f
LDNPA Business
Plan 2006/9 6.1)
Ref
7.1A
Training for
LDNPA Members
and planning staff
in historic
environment
matters
Provide preapplication
information and
advice on the
historic
environment
7.2A
7.1B
7.3A
Our activities
Develop and agree
Joint Action Plan
with Natural
England
Agree Environment
Land Management
Service
arrangements for
the National Park
Develop and
implement training
programme
Lead
NE/LDNPA
Complete
2007
NE/LDNPA
2007/8
LDNPA
Ongoing
Work with Head of
Development
Management to
develop system for
pre-application
advice
LDNPA
2007/8
SECTION D: INTERPRETATION AND OUTREACH
12. Interpretation and outreach
12.1 Understanding and concern for the historic environment by both local people and
visitors is crucial for its protection. The LDNPA and several of its partners, including English
Heritage and the National Trust, put substantial resources into outreach and interpretation.
In some cases it is also possible for interpretation of the historic environment to contribute
to social and economic development. That there is strong interest in the historic
environment both from sections of local residents and visitors is demonstrated by
attendance at evening classes and lectures, guided walks and the annual archaeology
conference organised by the LDNPA. An important current initiative in this area is the
LDNPA’s Access to Archaeology project, which will provide new interpretative material on
the historic environment and internet access to the LDHER.
Criteria for working with local groups
12.2 Local groups, including archaeological and historical societies, parish councils and
other community organisations can make valuable contributions to research and
conservation of the historic environment. The availability of Heritage Lottery and Local
Heritage Initiative funds has encouraged a number of initiatives in recent years. The
LDNPA and its partners will promote and support appropriate projects by local groups that
are likely to make a genuine contribution to research or conservation of the historic
environment. Such projects should have realistic targets and adequate resources and
should employ sound methodologies and techniques based on nationally agreed standards
(see Appendix 4). They should also have access to appropriate expert advice.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
24
Access to sites
12.3 The LDNPA and its partners are committed to seeking access for the public to a
representative range of archaeological and historical sites in the Lake District. The LDNPA
owns and manages the house and gardens at Brockhole
and has purchased or leased other significant sites such
as the Duddon Iron Furnace (pictured left), the Bobbin
Mill at The Howk and the Rusland Tannery in order to
secure good management and public access. The
National Trust manages the Guardianship sites of
Castlerigg stone circle and Ambleside and Hardknott
Roman forts for English Heritage and also owns a large
range of other sites which are open to the visitors.
English Heritage owns and manages the working bobbin
mill at Stott Park.
12.4 Access to archaeological remains on unenclosed fell
has increased as a result of the Countryside and Rights
of Way Act 2000. The Authority is committed to
increasing access in line with the Disability Discrimination
Act 2005 and will, where appropriate
and possible, modify access to archaeological sites or
historic buildings in order to increase the possibilities for
disabled visitors. Use of public transport, walking and
cycling will be encouraged and facilitated wherever possible for accessing historic
environment sites.
12.5 The Mining Forum was established by the LDNPA some years ago to provide a forum
for liaison and discussion over underground access and mining issues with the various
mining amenity groups. The Forum meets quarterly and comprises representatives from the
National Trust, Cumbria Amenity Trust Mining History Society (CATHMS), the Mines of
Lakeland Exploration Society (MOLES) and the Cumbria Ore Mines Rescue Unit (COMRU).
The Forum is currently engaged in producing health and safety documentation and a code
of conduct for underground access.
Interpretation material
12.6 It is important that a range of appropriate interpretation materials is made available for
historic environment features. These may include on-site interpretation, leaflets, and other
publications. Interpretation materials should cater for different interests and abilities ranging
from young children to adults with a specialist interest in the historic environment.
Reconstruction drawing of Bronze Age settlement (Access to Archaeology Project)
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
25
Events
12.7 The historic environment has always been represented in the Events Programme of
the Lake District National Park Authority and will continue to be so in the future. The
LDNPA also arranges an Annual Archaeology Conference in the autumn that attracts and
audience of two hundred each year and puts on events for the annual Council for British
Archaeology (CBA) National Archaeology Week. The National Trust has a programme of
events that includes historic environment activities such as special property open days,
guided walks and educational visits and English Heritage organises the yearly Heritage
Open Days. LDNPA historic environment staff are often asked to undertake guided walks
and talks for local amenity societies, parishes and groups in the area. This is seen as vital
outreach work and a high priority to continue.
Internet resources
12.8 There is information regarding the historic environment on the Lake District National
Park Authority’s website. http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/ (Go to ‘Learn about the Lake
District’/’Archaeology’). Further historic environment information is provided by partner
organisations at www.english-heritage.otrg.uk; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/wlocaltoyou/w-northwest.htm; and www.cwaas.org.uk.
Museums
12.9 There are a number of museums with historic environment collections within and close
to the Lake District. Museums are important not only for their role in educating and
informing the public about the historic environment but also as safe depositories for
information and artefacts from fieldwork and research. Funding for both public and private
museums is limited and museums should be supported wherever possible both for their
educational value and for their contribution to tourism and the economy.
PRIORITY DELIVERY AIMS






Continue the level of provision of historic environment services to the current
audience but also seek to widen audience amongst local people, visitors, and young
people;
Appropriate support and information for local groups applying for funding for historic
environment work;
Ensure that the Heritage Lottery Fund has sufficient information in order to make
informed decisions on grants.
An active Mining Forum which keeps arrangements for access to underground mine
workings and other matters under review;
Agreements for access for a wider range of archaeological sites and historic
buildings;
Improved provision of web-based information on the historic environment.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
26
KEY ACTIONS
Ref Our targets Ref
8.1 A range of
8.1A
projects,
events and
interpretative
materials
designed for
an inclusive
audience
8.1B
8.1C
8.1D
8.1E
8.1F
8.2
High quality
historic
environment
projects
undertaken
by local
groups
8.2A
Our activities
Implement the
plans for key
strategic
projects, such
as the Access
to
Archaeology
project ((c/f
LDNPA
Business Plan
2006/9 7.3C)
Arrange public
access to the
LDHER
Programme of
outreach and
consultation
over Lake
District World
Heritage Site
proposal
Publication of
book on Lake
District
industries
Arrange
Annual
Archaeology
Conferences
Investigate
arrangements
for an
Archaeological
Summer
School
Complete
Ring Cairns to
Reservoirs
project
8.2B Support
completion of
the ‘In the
Footsteps of
Mary Fair’
Local heritage
Initiative
Project
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
Lead
LDNPA
Complete
2008
LDNPA
2008
World Heritage Site
Steering Group
2007/8
EH
?
LDNPA
Ongoing
LDNPA/NT/CWAAS/OAN 2007/8
LDNPA/Duddon Valley
Local History Group
2008
Eskdale Local History
Society
2007
27
APPENDIX 1: NATIONAL PARK STATUTORY PURPOSES AND RELEVANT LAKE
DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN POLICIES
The Lake District
National Park Authority
has the following
statutory purposes:


To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife
and cultural heritage of the Lake District National Park;
and
To promote opportunities for the understanding and
enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by
the public.
It also has a duty in pursuing those purposes:

To seek to foster the economic and social well being of
local communities within the National Park
Section B: Information, Research and Survey
Relevant National Park
Plan Policies
HE1 Maintain up-to-date information on the Lake District’s
historic environment. Investigate and record archaeology, historic
landscapes, buildings, features and settlements.
HE5 Protect and enhance the historic and architectural
character of traditional buildings, towns and villages, in particular
through the designation of Conservation Areas and preparation of
Conservation Area appraisals.
HE10 Encourage the recording and sharing of local knowledge
of the historic environment, including oral histories.
Section C: Conservation
Relevant National Park
Plan Policies
HE2 Provide expert advice and guidance on the historic
environment to local communities, developers, investors and
other agencies in order to ensure good practice and high
standards.
HE3 Conserve nationally designated sites and their settings,
while also committing resources to locally significant
archaeological and historic features.
HE4 Protect and consolidate features of archaeological and
historic interest that reflect Lakeland life and traditions, and the
area’s historical development.
HE6 Encourage appropriate use of buildings that have
statutory protection, in order to retain their character.
HE7 Encourage appropriate repair and reuse of buildings and
sites on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register and the
National Park Authority’s Buildings at Risk Register.
HE8 Protect the character and setting of Registered Historic
Parks and Gardens and other locally significant designed
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
28
landscapes and encourage appropriate management.
HE9 Support, advise and encourage agri-environment
schemes that both conserve and enhance the historic
environment.
HE11 Require the highest standard of design. Ensure that
necessary repairs and alterations to historic buildings and
archaeological sites are carried out sympathetically, using
traditional materials and techniques.
HE12 Consolidate archaeological remains as found, rather than
reconstruct them.
HE13 Record remains where it is impractical to conserve
archaeological and historic
features.
HE14 Encourage the retention of local traditional skills to
maintain high-quality workmanship
Section D: Interpretation and Outreach
Relevant National Park
HE 10 Encourage the recording and sharing of local knowledge
Plan Policies
of the historic environment, including oral histories.
HE15 Protect and encourage local customs and cultural
traditions wherever practical.
HE16 Increase appreciation of the Lake District’s historic
environment through information, advice and guidance to local
people and visitors and make available a representative
selection of interesting sites to visit.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
29
APPENDIX 2: THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
This section briefly summarises the main legal framework for management of the historic
environment and the organisations primarily responsible for their implementation. Although
many different mechanisms are available their implementation should all be encompassed
within the overarching concept of sustainability that was endorsed by the British
government at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and is central to national planning and
environmental policy.
The European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised)
This convention, commonly known as the Valletta Convention, was signed by the
Government on 20 March 2001.
The Convention makes the conservation and enhancement of the archaeological heritage
one of the goals of urban and regional planning policies. It is concerned in particular with
arrangements to be made for co-operation among archaeologists and town and regional
planners in order to ensure optimum conservation of archaeological heritage. It sets
guidelines for the funding of excavation and research work and publication of research
findings. It also deals with public access, in particular to archaeological sites, and
educational actions to be undertaken to develop public awareness of the value of the
archaeological heritage. The Convention constitutes an institutional framework for panEuropean co-operation on the archaeological heritage, entailing a systematic exchange of
experience and experts among the various States. The Committee responsible for
monitoring the application of the Convention assumes the role of strengthening and coordinating archaeological heritage policies in Europe.
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended) enables the
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, normally acting on the advice of English
Heritage, to provide legal protection for nationally important ancient monuments. There are
currently some 250 scheduled ancient monuments in the Lake District. Other provisions of
the 1979 Act enable English Heritage and local authorities to give grants, enter into
management agreements and take monuments into guardianship. There are 5
guardianship monuments in the National Park.
English Heritage, the government's statutory adviser on the historic environment, has also
created non-statutory registers of nationally important historic parks and gardens and
historic battlefields. The present register of historic parks and gardens does not include any
examples within the national park but five are included on the draft revised list. The only
legal protection for registered landscapes is through the planning process. There are no
registered battlefields in the Lake District.
The Town and Country Planning legislation and its accompanying planning policies and
guidance recognises the historic environment as a significant consideration in determining
planning applications. Key documents are Planning Policy Guidance note 15 (Planning and
the Historic Environment) (PPG 15) and Planning Policy Guidance note 16 (Archaeology
and Planning) (PPG 16). Provision is made for the designation of conservation areas and
the listing of buildings for which historical and archaeological interest are recognised as key
criteria. Guidance is also provided on the treatment of registered parks and gardens. The
Town and Country (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 defines a site of
archaeological interest as any scheduled monument or "a site registered in any record
adopted by resolution by a county council and known as the County Sites and Monuments
Record". PPG 16 emphasises the desirability of preserving important archaeological sites,
whether scheduled or not, and their settings as well as the procedures to be followed by
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
30
local planning authorities and developers to identify and mitigate the impact of development
on archaeological remains.
Some large-scale developments are covered by the Town and Country Planning
(Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 which
require that the potential environmental impacts of development are assessed prior to any
decisions being made. The Regulations may apply to developments which fall outside the
remit of local planning authorities, such as trunk roads and other infrastructure
developments pursued under the Transport and Works Act and major pipeline schemes.
The Environment Act 1995 requires the Environment Agency to have regard to the
desirability of protecting buildings, sites and objects of archaeological or historic interest.
The Environment Act also provided for the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 which protect
hedgerows which are deemed "historically important" by specified criteria.
Archaeology has been incorporated into the legislation governing many statutory
undertakers - for example, the Water Industry Act 1991 and the Electricity Act 1989.
Many such organisations also have internal codes of practice governing historic
conservation issues.
Agricultural operations fall largely outside the remit of planning legislation and in some
cases harmful activities may even be permitted to continue on scheduled ancient
monuments through the system of "class consents". There are, however, grants available to
farmers and landowners to manage land in an environmentally sensitive manner. English
Heritage may offer management grants for scheduled ancient monuments whilst the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food operate the Countryside Stewardship and
Environmentally Sensitive Areas schemes.
Forestry operations also fall largely outside planning controls but are subject to a
consents regime operated by the Forestry Commission. The FC has a policy that sites of
archaeological importance should be conserved and is negotiating a code of practice with
ALGAO (the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers).
The Church of England requires planning consent for development in the same way as all
other developers but its churches are exempted from listed building controls being instead
covered by ecclesiastical faculty procedures. Ecclesiastical buildings held in trust by the
Roman Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Baptist Union and United Reform Church are
also exempt from listed building control.
Portable antiquities are normally the property of the owner of the land on which they are
found. However, the Treasure Act 1996 requires the reporting of antiquities which fulfil
specified criteria and provides for their acquisition by public museums. Primary
responsibility for administering this legislation lies with the coroner. A Portable Antiquities
Scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, provides for basic recording of finds made
by metal detector users and others.
A legal right of access to information held in the Historic Environment Record is established,
subject to certain exceptions, by the Environmental Information Regulations 1992 which
apply to all public bodies with environmental responsibilities and define minimum
requirements.
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
31
APPENDIX 3:
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
IN THE NATIONAL PARKS OF ENGLAND AND WALES
1. Parties
This Joint Statement is a declaration of intent made on behalf of Cadw, the Countryside
Agency, the Countryside Council for Wales, English Heritage, the National Park
Authorities*, and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.
Each of these organisations has some statutory responsibility for, or interests in, the historic
environment in National Parks.
* Every reference here to National Parks implicitly includes The Broads.
2. Purpose of this Joint Statement
This Joint Statement is the expression of the intention of the signatories to further
the conservation, the sustainable management, and the public understanding and
enjoyment of the historic environment of the National Parks, by all appropriate
means.
3. Preamble
The co-operative work set out here is needed across the National Parks, not only in
relation to Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings Conservation Areas and nonstatutory designations, but with regard to the whole of the historic environment.
The historic environment has been defined as the physical evidence that we see,
understand and feel for past human activity. It includes sites, monuments, landscapes,
buildings and settlements as well as our appreciation and perception of them. It is the
cultural product of human interaction with nature and the evidence of all past human
activity.
The particular contribution of National Parks in respect of the historic environment is part of
the statutory responsibilities of the National Park Authorities to conserve and enhance the
special qualities of each Park, and to promote opportunities for the understanding and
enjoyment of these areas by the public.
Through liaison and co-ordinated programmes of work, the signatories will seek to achieve
continuous improvement in the conservation and interpretation of the historic environment
in National Parks. It is an explicit intention that the implementation of the measures set out
in this Joint Statement will further the securing of appropriate resources, and their
allocation. Periodic meetings will be held at a national level to discuss co-operative
programmes and policy issues of common interest, and officers will also meet regularly to
monitor progress in the measures outlined below.
4. Cadw and English Heritage will:
i. assist the National Park Authorities in developing objectives and strategies for
conservation, including the elements of their National Park Plans and Development
Plans which refer to the historic environment;
ii. provide access for National Park Authority staff to their resources for continuing
professional development; and will encourage their own staff to broaden their
experience of the wider aspects of National Park planning and management,
especially the heritage interests and recreational purposes of National Parks;
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
32
iii. explore with the National Park Authorities ways to enhance the capacity of the latter to
secure better understanding, conservation, management and interpretation of the
historic environment;
iv. actively consider the secondment of staff between heritage agencies and the National
Park Authorities in the furtherance of joint interests.
5. National Park Authorities will:
i.
acknowledge that it is highly desirable that each Authority should have direct access
to expertise in the understanding and management of the historic environment,
normally but not exclusively by having appropriate professional expertise in
archaeology and buildings conservation on its staff;
ii.
strive to maintain and enhance current levels of provision of this expertise;
iii. ensure that any resources and procedures used to benefit the historic environment
comply fully with appropriate professional standards;
iv. ensure the role of these members of staff or the equivalent resources will include the
enhancement of public understanding of the historic environment of the Park, the
furtherance of the sustainable conservation of the historic environment, and
participation in appropriate interdisciplinary teams;
v.
aim to produce a regular review or summary of relevant work undertaken in each
Park, and a report on the state of the historic environment in each Park, as a
contribution to the measurement of the extent to which the objectives of the National
Park Authority are being achieved.
6. The Countryside Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales will:
i. endeavour, as statutory consultees for relevant National Park plans, to ensure
alignment between the interests of each National Park Authority and those of English
Heritage and Cadw;
ii. support National Park Authorities in the preparation of their bids for Government
resources to pursue initiatives relevant to the historic environment.
7. Cadw, English Heritage and National Park Authorities will:
i. seek to ensure that all management plans and management agreements to which they
are party take full account of the range of National Park and heritage interests, and
provide for appropriate liaison with voluntary bodies;
ii. seek to collaborate in the development and testing of schemes which promote
improved methods of land management that further the protection of the historic
environment;
iii. aim to include archaeological, historic and cultural elements in environmental education
and interpretation programmes in National Parks;
iv. develop, monitor and disseminate good practice in relation to recreational, agricultural,
and industrial activities, to avoid damage to the historic environment.
8. Cadw, English Heritage, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical
Monuments of Wales, and National Park Authorities will:
i. collaborate in research, in the development and maintenance of accessible data, and in
the work needed across all National Parks to develop and promote best practice;
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
33
ii. arrange for officers to meet periodically to discuss and to monitor the development and
implementation of cooperative programmes.
9. Risk
The Signatories believe that if the courses of action outlined above are not pursued, the
consequence will be that the sustainable management of the historic environment, and its
potential to forward the purposes of the Authorities and of the Agencies within the National
Parks, will not be achieved.
10.
Application
This Statement applies to all National Parks in England and Wales and has effect from the
date below. The Statement does not affect the statutory duties of the respective
organisations and its implementation depends on resources being available. The
Statement will be reviewed five years after it comes into effect.
6 July 2004
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
34
July 2004
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE HISTORIC
ENVIRONMENT IN THE NATIONAL PARKS
OF ENGLAND AND WALES
########
ACTION PLAN
Lake District Historic Environment Strategy
35
SUMMARY
1.
LEGISLATION ON CULTURAL HERITAGE
S.61(1)(a) of The Environment Act 1995 redefined the purposes of National Parks to
include the conservation and enhancement of their cultural heritage.
S.62(2) of the Environment Act 1995 laid a duty on all government statutory and local
government agencies to have regard to National Park Purposes in exercising or performing
functions in relation to National Parks.
2.
THE JOINT STATEMENT OF INTENT
As the new legislation was being introduced, all the organisations and agencies with direct
responsibility for the Archaeology and Historic Environment in the English and Welsh
National Parks and the Broads signed a joint statement in 1995 as a declaration of intent to
further the protection of the archaeology and historic environment of the National Parks in
England and Wales, including the Broads. The Agency and Authority representatives met
on 14 May 1998 in Dovedale in the Peak District to sign a declaration of support for the
Historic Environment of the National Parks of England and Wales.
3.
THE ACTION PLAN
In the implementation of the joint statement and declaration of support, these
organisations prepared an action plan. The progress on twenty-one individual
actions will be monitored annually in a programme that will be reviewed every five
years.
4.
OBJECTIVES

to improve liaison and co-ordination between the Agencies and the National Park
Authorities.

to raise awareness and understanding of the historic environment in our National
Parks.
[The Broads is implicitly included in all references to the National Parks.]
STRATEGIES
Objectives
For National Park authorities and the Agencies to seek a common approach –
expressed in a guidance document - to the management of the historic environment
across the National Parks, to be reflected in National Park strategic documents, as
required by Section 66 (1) of the Environment Act 1995.
1
Input:
Agencies will contribute towards the development of integrated policies for the
sustainable management of the historic environment in appropriate National Park
plans.
Outcome:
The development and implementation of such strategic policies will improve the
management of the historic environment in National Parks.
2
Input:
Historic Environment performance indicators are to be included in Whole Authority
Assessments.
Outcome:
Positive comparisons can be made and priorities for new resource identified.
3
Input:
Historic Landscape Characterisation and Landscape Assessment in National Parks
will be promoted with the appropriate agencies.
Outcome:
HLC will enable a greater understanding of the development of the landscape as a
whole, resulting in improved responses to consultations, to interpretation provision
and to conservation initiatives. Historic Landscape Assessment will enable a moreholistic approach to management of National Park landscapes.
RESOURCES
Objectives
To identify the resources required to establish and maintain the standards of sustainable
management and interpretation - especially by the deployment of well-trained, wellequipped, creative staff, resourced to meet demands.
4
Input:
National Park Authorities will seek the most appropriate means of resourcing historic
environment professional and support staff and their work, given individual National
Park criteria. Each authority will also aim for staffing and grant-aid levels relative to
workload at least comparable with, if not better than, the general level of resourcing
within the respective constituent authorities.
Outcome:
All National Park Authorities will receive appropriate advice for the sustainable
management of the historic environment.
Partnership
5
Input:
The National Park Authorities and the Agencies should enlist the support of
universities and other research organisations, voluntary bodies, archaeological and
conservation trusts etc. to supplement resources.
Outcome:
An effective increase in the resources focused on the understanding, conservation
and management of the historic environment. An increasing number of people will
engage with the historic environment and achieve a greater awareness of what the
NPAs and the Agencies can do to manage it sustainably.
6
Input:
The National Park and Agency staff will monitor the resourcing of the historic
environment of each National Park annually for a report on the Action Plan.
Outcome:
Good evidence is provided for the planning and prioritisation of resources.
COLLABORATION, CO-OPERATION, PARTNERSHIP AND LIAISON
Objectives
To share experience, avoid duplication and combine resources.
7
Input:
The annual liaison meetings between relevant National Park Authority staff,
Archaeologists and Building Conservation Officers, Heritage and Countryside
Agencies and the Royal Commission will continue.
Outcome:
The sharing of experience results in the development of mutually beneficial
partnership projects, identification of best/appropriate practice and identification of
appropriate national initiatives.
8
Input:
Seek collaborative projects with other National Park Authorities and appropriate
Agencies.
Outcome:
The establishment of cost-effective programmes of work.
ANALYSIS AND UNDERSTANDING
Objective
To promote research, analysis and understanding, for the benefit of residents and
visitors, and as the essential basis for effective, sustainable management.
9
Input
National Park Authorities and the Agencies will, with input from partners and
community groups, develop ‘research priority’ documents.
Outcome:
Evidence-based management and interpretation, and significant contributions to
national and regional research agenda.
10
Input:
English Heritage and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical
Monuments of Wales will collaborate with National Park authorities in survey and
research.
Outcome:
Better information for management enhanced public understanding and awareness.
11
Input
National Park Authorities and the Agencies will seek to develop integrated Historic
Environment databases in each National Park.
Outcome:
All aspects of the historic environment are efficiently taken into account in the
provision of information and advice.
12
Input
National Park Authorities will produce a regular review of relevant work and a report
on the state of the historic environment in each Park.
Outcome:
Awareness raised; successes celebrated; priorities highlighted.
CONSERVATION
Objectives
The sustainable conservation of sites, monuments, buildings, settlements and
landscapes.
13
Input:
The Agencies and the National Park authorities will ensure that management is fully
integrated between ecological and historic environment issues.
Outcome:
Positive management of all aspects of the environment is an automatic consideration
in management agreements.
14
Input:
The Agencies will develop partnerships with the National Park Authorities to ensure
that management schemes (including Local Management Agreements) be
established and developed utilising agreed and disseminated best practice.
Outcome:
Elements of the historic environment are managed by those best placed to do so.
15
Input:
The Agencies will work in partnership with the National Park authorities to ensure the
most appropriate form of statutory protection is applied to monument, building, area
or landscape. They will make recommendations for modified or additional protection
where appropriate.
Outcome:
Appropriate measures in place.
16
Input:
A quinquennial review of listed buildings should be established in every National
Park and a register of Buildings at Risk regularly compiled.
Outcome:
Priorities for action identified.
EDUCATION, INFORMATION AND INTERPRETATION
Objective
To raise public awareness through education and interpretation to achieve
sustainable management of the historic environment and provide appropriate
physical and intellectual access.
17
Input:
National Park Authorities and their partners will work with the Agencies – and, where
appropriate, with communities - on specific projects to raise awareness and
appreciation of the historic environment.
Outcome:
Increased public awareness and appreciation leads to greater support for
sustainable management.
18
Input:
National Park Authorities will develop or review their access and interpretative
strategies with regard to the historic environment.
Outcome:
Physical and intellectual access maximised.
19
Input:
National Park Authorities will ensure coverage of the historic environment within their
education programmes and will maintain links with the Agencies and with education
bodies.
Outcome:
Awareness of the historic environment is promoted through primary, secondary and
tertiary curricula and lifelong learning.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
Objective
To establish and maintain effective Member and Staff selection, training and
continuous professional development as an essential contribution to the successful
implementation of the statutory duties and purposes of the authorities, reflecting the
fact that the Staff and Members of the National Park authorities represent the
authorities' major resource.
20
Input:
People with historic environment interests will be encouraged to apply for
Membership of National Park authorities.
Outcome:
Raised awareness amongst Members of the importance of the historic environment, the
need for its positive management and the role of Members in that process.
21
Input:
Conservation of the historic environment should continue to feature in the
programmes of National Park Conferences and Workshops', in briefing material
produced for Members and in Member awareness programmes run by individual
Authorities and the Agencies.
Outcome:
Member awareness raised throughout the National Park authorities
22
Input:
National Park authorities and the Agencies will:

incorporate the historic environment in staff training events;

seek to develop partnership projects which provide opportunities for
shadowing, on-site training, and support staff participation in exchange
programmes;

encourage and enable staff to participate in relevant external professional
organisations and encourage networking;

encourage and support the development of specialist training events for staff.
Outcome:

Enhanced staff skills and understanding of common issues.
Appendix 4: The Conduct of Archaeological Work and Historic Building Recording in
the Lake District National Park
THE CONDUCT OF
ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK & HISTORIC BUILDING RECORDING
WITHIN THE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
A guide for developers and their archaeological contractors, historic buildings
advisors, architects and consultants and all involved in the planning process
THE CONDUCT OF
ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK & HISTORIC BUILDING RECORDING
WITHIN THE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
A1.1
This document sets out standards and guidance for archaeological work and historic
building recording in the Lake District National Park undertaken as part of the
planning process. It will ensure that all work of this kind within the Lake District
National Park is carried out in a professional manner and to a high standard.
Introduction
A1.2
This document is aimed at developers and their archaeological contractors, historic
buildings advisors and consultants and all involved in the planning process.
A1.3
It sets out the standard for the agreed programme of work undertaken through the
planning process. Projects initiated through the planning process should conform to
the highest professional standards.
A1.4
Planning and Policy Guidance 16 (PPG16) states that archaeology is a material
consideration in the determination of planning applications. Policies NE14 and NE16
of the Lake District National Park Local Plan (1998), set out the importance of the
Lake District’s archaeology and measures that will be taken to protect it. These will
be replaced in due course by policies in the Lake District Local Development
Framework.
A1.5
The purposes of the National Park as set out in Section 61 of the Environment Act
1995 are: `to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
of the area’ and `to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of
the special qualities by the public’.
A1.6
This document sets out the practical process of achieving the full potential of
recording and preserving the National Park’s archaeological heritage. Also within
the scope of this document is the archaeological recording of historic buildings.
Underlying Principles
A1.7
The professional body for field archaeologists is the Institute of Field Archaeologists
whose members are bound to adhere to a Code of Conduct (IFA 1994). It is
preferable that projects are managed by a Member of the IFA. However, the
suitability of the manager will be judged on his/her past record, by the National Park
Authority. The project manager will be expected to ensure that all project staff and
sub-contractors are suitably qualified and experienced. The IFA’s Code of Conduct
contains four underlying principles and all those involved should remember these
four statements:


The archaeologist shall adhere to the highest standards of ethical and
responsible behaviour in the conduct of archaeological affairs.
The archaeologist has responsibility for the conservation of the archaeological
heritage.


The archaeologist shall conduct his or her work in such a way that reliable
information about the past may be acquired, and shall ensure that the results be
properly recorded.
The archaeologist has responsibility for making available the results of
archaeological work with reasonable dispatch.
The Planning Process - Before a Planning Application is Submitted
A1.8
The National Park Authority welcomes informal discussion at pre-consultation stage.
Applicants are advised to discuss the archaeological implications in advance of
submitting a planning application or General Permitted Development Order (GPDO)
consultation. Mitigation strategies and assessment and evaluation techniques are
best addressed early in the consultation process.
Assessment and Evaluation
A1.9
When a planning application is assessed by the National Park Authority there may
be insufficient information available to make a reasoned decision concerning the
likely effect of the proposal on archaeological remains or historic buildings. Under
Policy NE 17 an archaeological assessment and evaluation may be required before
the application is determined. The assessment and evaluation process should be
agreed in writing with the National Park Authority. It may involve either or both of the
following processes:
A1.10 Desk Top Assessment - an assessment of the known or potential archaeological
resource within a specified area or site on land or underwater. It consists of a
collation of existing written and graphic information in order to identify the likely
character, extent, quality and worth of the known or potential archaeological
resource in a local, regional, national or international context as appropriate.
A1.11 Evaluation - a limited programme of non-intrusive and/or intrusive fieldwork which
determines the presence or absence of archaeological features, structures, deposits,
artefacts or ecofacts within a specified area or site on land or underwater. It may
include landscape survey, trial-trenching, geophysical survey, environmental
sampling and building recording.
Assessment and Evaluation Report
A1.12 The results of the assessment and evaluation stage should be presented as a written
report to the National Park Authority. The report should define the location, extent
and significance of archaeological remains, and illustrate how these may be affected
by the proposals. It may be advisable to discuss the contents of the report with the
National Park Authority at draft stage.
The Planning Process – After Planning Permission is Granted
Planning Conditions
A1.13 A planning application may be approved with archaeological conditions. The
archaeological condition may overcome archaeological considerations that would
otherwise have led to the application being refused. Generally archaeological work
carried out through the planning process is the result of a condition requiring the
applicant to gain agreement in writing from the National Park Authority before
development begins. The condition is not fulfilled until the applicant has completed
the required work and has deposited a completed archaeological report with the
National Park Authority and the completed archive with the appropriate museum or
other agency.
The Specification
A1.14 In the majority of cases the National Park Authority will require that the contractor
produces a specification of archaeological works or historic building recording to be
agreed in writing by the National Park Authority in advance. The specification should
set out the basic requirements of the project and the standards which are to be
adhered to.
A1.15 The specification will be expected to:









contain a reasoned discussion of the field and analytical techniques selected.
give details of techniques, artefact collection policies, discard policies,
environmental sampling strategy and recording techniques.
explain the reasons for the rejection of a particular technique.
Include a timetable for fieldwork.
outline the proposed reporting procedure and the likely timetable, as well as the
anticipated content of the final and any other reports.
include an indication of the level and format of the archive to be produced.
give a timetable for obtaining the necessary consents, its preparation and
deposition.
how the results of the project should be reported and published.
Details of staff including qualifications and experience.
A1.16 In addition to normal contingency provisions, the National Park Authority may require
a compulsory archaeological science contingency (ASC) to be included in most
projects. This will normally be 15% of the total tender, but the National Park
Authority may vary this rate in response to the specific potential of the project.
A1.17 The points of reference for the production of the specification should be based on the
advice in PPG15 & PPG16, RCHME guidance, Museums and Galleries Commission
and Society of Museum Archaeologists guidelines as well as further guidance
available from the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA). (see section 6).
Historic Building Recording
A1.18 Archaeological building investigation and recording is a formal programme of work
intended to establish the character, history, date, form and archaeological
development of a structure. It may be required as part of an archaeological evaluation
(prior to a planning application) to help in the determination of that application, or as
part of an archaeological condition in order to record aspects of a building before
development takes place. Such recording should result in the production of measured
drawings, an ordered archive and report. The level and extent of recording will be
covered within the agreed specification.
Groundworks
A1.19 A planning condition will either require a watching brief or a programme of
excavations (where the archaeological information is preserved by record) agreed in
advance.
Watching brief
A1.20 A watching brief is a formal programme of observation and investigation conducted
during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons within a specified
area or site on land or underwater, where there is a possibility that archaeological
deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the
preparation of a report and ordered archive. One of four levels of watching brief will
be stipulated:
(i)
A comprehensive watching brief - where archaeologists are present at all times
during the groundwork operations.
(ii) An intensive watching brief – where archaeologists are on site during the
undertaking of sensitive groundwork operations.
(iii) An intermittent watching brief – where archaeologists are on site to observe the
groundworks after digging operations have been completed, but before
construction work commences.
(iv) A partial watching brief – where observation takes place only when considered
appropriate.
Excavation (preservation by record)
A1.21 Archaeological excavation – a programme of controlled, intrusive fieldwork with
defined research objectives which examines and records archaeological deposits,
features and structures and, as appropriate, retrieves artefacts, ecofacts and other
remains within a specified area or site (on land or underwater). The records made
and objects gathered during fieldwork are studied and the results of that study
published in detail appropriate to the project and in the light of findings.
Report Submission
A1.22 The specification should define the form and content of the report. The report must
be submitted to and accepted by the National Park Authority before the planning
condition is fulfilled. There are four broad categories of publication, of which category
1 will always be required:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Evaluation and assessment for submission in support of a planning
application or as part of an archaeological condition attached to a planning
permission. It should be written to address the requirements of the client and
the planning authorities.
Brief academic report. A notification of the work to the archaeological
community.
Full academic publication to analyse and synthesise the full implications
of the fieldwork. It should be addressed to the specialist archaeological
community.
Popular publication to share the results of the fieldwork with the public.
A1.23 The appropriate level of publication should be set out in the specification. However,
archaeological discoveries may warrant a different level of publication from that
initially chosen and the final form of publication should be agreed with the National
Park Authority. Three copies of the category 1 report should be submitted within six
months of the completion of fieldwork or, in the case of an evaluation or assessment,
with the planning application.
Treatment of Environmental Evidence, Archaeological Materials and Archiving
Environmental Evidence
A1.24 Environmental evidence is a necessary and important element of the archaeological
record. During a field evaluation an accurate assessment of the preservation of
environmental evidence including animal bone, shell, waterlogged and charred
organic remains, and the condition of any buried soils and sediments should be
made. This assessment should be sufficiently comprehensive to allow an evaluation
of its potential archaeological relevance and to enable the construction of a
structured sampling strategy and post-excavation programme, should further
archaeological work be required. When undertaking this work advice must be sought
from an appropriate environmental consultant or from the English Heritage Regional
Advisor for Archaeological Science. The appropriate specialists should be available
or on-site to advise on environmental issues. If a mitigation strategy is to be
developed the feasibility of long-term preservation upon the environmental content of
the site must be considered.
Treatment of Archaeological Materials
A1.25 The Lake District National Park Authority requires a minimum standard for the
handling of artefactual material retrieved from archaeological interventions. All staff,
including all sub-contracted specialists involved with a project, must be made aware
of First Aid for Finds, Society of Museum Archaeologists guidelines, the Museums
and Galleries Commission’s Standards of Collection Care and other related
documents, and should follow the procedures listed in them. Of particular value to
those managing archaeological archives both on-site and in long-term storage are
recent publications from English Heritage. It is imperative that the implications of
these documents are noted at the tendering stage, because they may have both
practical and financial implications. In particular the advice of museum conservation
staff will be of value when handling sensitive materials.
Archiving System
A1.26 Before the commencement of fieldwork it is essential that provision is made for long
term storage of the subsequent archive. It is essential that archaeological material be
deposited in a museum which has expertise and resources to provide adequately for
long-term conservation and reference. If this is not to be the case the National Park
Authority and the receiving Museum will expect to be assured that these standards
of care and access will be met.
Additional Considerations
Publicity
A1.27 The Lake District National Park Authority encourages a positive approach to
involving the local community and other interested parties in archaeological projects.
Where possible active participation in the form of open days or school visits should
be considered. In cases where projects produce locally interesting information a
press release should be considered. Contracting/Consultant units should of course
obtain permission from the site owners prior to involving the public or media. Where
appropriate, further publication of ‘summary’ reports should be considered for a
wider public audience in the form of leaflets or booklets.
Legal and ethical considerations
A1.28 Legal and ethical factors must be considered when undertaking archaeological
fieldwork. These relate particularly to human remains and to Treasure (Treasure Act
1997 and associated Code of Practice), and the following gives guidance on
handling these situations.
1
Archaeological contractors will be expected to act in accordance with the wishes
of the site owner/agent and local residents. They should follow access and office
procedures on development sites as well as behaving appropriately as far as
noise and other factors are concerned.
2
All unexpected human remains encountered must be left in situ and suitably
protected from deterioration. All finds should be reported to the Police and the
Coroner’s Office. If removal is necessary and unavoidable it must be carried out
in compliance with the statutory provisions of the Burial Act 1857 and
subsequent legislation and after obtaining a Section 25 licence for exhumation
from the Home Office. The excavator must comply with the conditions of the
licence as well as other Home Office and environmental health regulations. All
reasonable requests as to the method of removal, re-interment or disposal of the
remains and/or associated items should be complied with. The simplest way to
safeguard remains that are not to be excavated is by sensitive back-filling as
soon as possible.
3
Adherence to the Museum Association’s Code of Ethics is expected in relation to
the management of the archive and associated information.
4
Finds from the foreshore are subject to the requirements of the Merchant
Shipping Act 1995.
5
Finds of Treasure (as defined) must be archaeologically recorded and removed
to a safe place and reported to the local Coroner within 28 days in accordance
with the procedures of the Treasure Act and Code of Practice. If removal of
such finds is not possible on the same day then adequate security arrangements
must be made. This also applies to other intrinsically valuable objects which may
subsequently not be subject to a Treasure Trove enquiry.
Notification
A1.29 In order for effective monitoring of archaeological projects, the Lake District National
Park Authority and the recipient museum should be notified prior to the
commencement of work. The letter should contain basic information including:





site name and address
planning application number (if relevant)
start date of work (if known)
name of project officer
specialists being used
To avoid repetition it is expected that contracting units submit a list of project
officers/managers and specialists to the National Park Authority. A presumption will be
made that the named individuals will be responsible in each project. If a specialist is
changed the National Park Authority should be notified in writing, and agreement sought
prior to change.
Health and safety
A1.30 The health and safety of all those involved in every archaeological project is
paramount. Archaeologists are expected to operate in accordance with current
health and safety legislation and industry regulations. At all times health and safety
must take priority over archaeological matters.
Insurance
A1.31 The IFA recommends that an archaeological contractor or other organisation
undertaking field projects “must ensure they are covered by adequate insurance
policies, public liability and employer’s liability, some relevant form of civil liability
indemnity or professional indemnity” (IFA, 1994b-d). It is also possible for developers
to insure against the consequences of an unexpected discovery, eg a find requiring
expensive conservation, provided sufficient evaluation has been previously
undertaken.
Sources of information
DOE (1990) Planning Policy Guidance Note 16, Archaeology and Planning
DOE (1994) Planning Policy Guidance Note 15, Planning and the Historic Environment
English Heritage (1995) Geophysical survey in Archaeological Field Evaluation
Institute of Field Archaeologists (1994) Code of Conduct
Institute of Field Archaeologists (1999) Standard and guidance for an archaeological
watching brief; Standard and guidance for archaeological excavation; Standards and
guidelines for finds work (IFA blue policy folder, standards and guidance)
Museums and Galleries Commission (1992), Standards in the Museum Care of
Archaeological Collections
RCHME (1996) Recording Historic Buildings: A descriptive specification (third edition)
Society of Museum Archaeologists (1993) Selection, retention and dispersal of
archaeological collections. Guidelines for use in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and
Wales
Watkinson D and Neal V (1998) First Aid for Finds
(This document is derived from Exmoor National Park Authority’s The Conduct of
Archaeological Work and Historic Building Recording within the Exmoor National Park)
Table 2.3
THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT AND THE PLANNING PROCESS
Consultation with National
Park Authority – before
application is submitted
Planning application
or
GPDO consultation
Insufficient
Info.
see
section
A1.8
Developer appoints
archaeology
consultant to carry out:
EVALUATION &
ASSESSMENT:
 Desktop Assessment see section
 Evaluation trenching
A1.9 – A1.12
 Geophysical survey
 Building recording
Working to brief
agreed in advance in
writing by National
Park Authority
Report submitted to
National Park Authority
for approval
Permission granted with
archaeological
condition(s) or legal
agreement
Permission granted with
no archaeological
condition
Specification submitted to
and approved by National
Park Authority


Preservation in situ of
remains when possible
Archaeological monitoring
during development (watching
brief)
Permission
refused
see section A1.13 – A1.26



Preservation in situ of
remains when possible
Excavation in advance
of development
Monitoring during
development



Report supplied to
National Park Authority
Report supplied to
relevant County Council
Archaeology Service
Archive deposited
Condition complied with
Publication
see
sections
A1.22 –
A1.23,
A1.26
Appendix 5 THE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
ADVISORY GROUP
The Lake District National Park Historic Environment Advisory Group was established in
2004 to assist the LDNPA in planning and implementing its historic environment work. It
comprises Members and officers of the LDNPA together with representatives from partner
organisations including English Heritage, the National Trust and the Cumberland and
Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society (CWAAS). There is also local
university representation. One of the principal tasks of the Group is to oversee production
of the Historic Environment Strategy.