Prior to the development of a site the local planning authority may sometimes stipulate that an archaeological evaluation must take place. North Pennines Archaeology can carry out evaluations of all types and sizes from small rural developments to complex urban developments. We can take care of all your archaeological needs from liasing with planning authorities, carrying out the fieldwork, to the production of the final report. A site evaluation normally involves the excavation of a series of slit trenches over a sample area of between 2% and 7% of the total development site.

Prior to this trial trenching a programme of field walking or geophysical survey may be required to gain a better idea of any potential archaeological features. If archaeological features are recorded during the evaluation they are sampled and recorded. Once this field work stage is completed a programme of post excavation assessment is carried out, the outcome of which is a report which details the findings and produces a predictive model for potential archaeological deposits over the whole site. It is then normally up to the local planning authorities to assess the significance of these findings and make recommendations regarding any further archaeological work prior to development. A part of our archaeological service often involves working with architects and planners to devise mitigation schemes to reduce the impact on potential archaeological deposits and any potential costs that the developer may incur.

North Pennines Archaeology have carried out over 80 site evaluations over the last five years throughout the north of England and have built up a reputation for providing a efficient cost effective archaeological service.