Where development may affect archaeological remains in Southampton, we ensure that an appropriate level of investigation is carried out. We are usually involved once a planning application has been made, but anyone (businesses or members of the public) thinking of developing a site is encouraged to discuss the implications with us, and how it might be possible to reduce the threat to the archaeology. We also deal with groundworks that do not need planning permission such as digging trenches for cables or drains. We also offer advice on Scheduled Monument Consent.
Once an archaeological investigation has started, we monitor the work to ensure compliance with agreed or required standards.
Please note that our job is to give advice and to make sure that the work is carried out. We are not archaeological contractors, so we do not carry out the investigations ourselves. Also, the responsibility for funding the investigation is nearly always the developer's and not ours. For information about other archaeological services provided by Southampton City Council, including the council's archaeological contracting unit, can be found on the Archaeology page.
Southampton City Council's policy on archaeology and development is outlined in the Local Plan and Core Strategy. Sixteen Local Areas of Archaeological Potential (LAAPs) are defined in the city. A map and descriptions of the LAAPs can be found in separate documents at the foot of this page. For an interactive map of the LAAPs, visit the Southampton Online Maps web site.
Southampton City Council
