Anyone every had to employ an archaeologist?

[jon h]

We are looking at a grade 2 listed barn with planning permission... One of the conditions in the planning is:

"No development shall take place before the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation including a timetable has been previously submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority"

This has potential to turn into a bottomless money pit (recalling a Grand Designs show where some chap was restoring a castle), but what is expected, a quick wander around by a bloke with a trowel, or excavate the whole site, and where the hell do you find an archaeologist who will be "on your side" rather than wanting to escalate the whole thing into an episode of Time Team?

Oh, you also have to build a bat loft, size of a double garage, because they found a bat ... it has to be heated, FFS!

[marshalla]

My tame forensic archaeologist might be able to help - want me to ask her ?

[mike325112]

jon h said:

We are looking at a grade 2 listed barn with planning permission... One of the conditions in the planning is:

"No development shall take place before the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation including a timetable has been previously submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority"

This has potential to turn into a bottomless money pit (recalling a Grand Designs show where some chap was restoring a castle), but what is expected, a quick wander around by a bloke with a trowel, or excavate the whole site, and where the hell do you find an archaeologist who will be "on your side" rather than wanting to escalate the whole thing into an episode of Time Team?

Oh, you also have to build a bat loft, size of a double garage, because they found a bat ... it has to be heated, FFS!

Professionally I have used Northamptonshire Archaeology before, they were very reasonable. I found them very affable and helpful. Might be worth speaking to them.

[jon h]

mike325112 said:

Professionally I have used Northamptonshire Archaeology before, they were very reasonable. I found them very affable and helpful. Might be worth speaking to them.

Thanks, seems like a good starting point, as the site is in Northants. Nothing firm currently, just trying to get a handle on budget to see if the project is viable. A bit of a Google after my first post threw up quite a bit of info- seems to be a fairly standard condition if the building has historical interest, so an industry has sprung up to service this- can't beat a recommendation, though!

[saleen836]

This is my neighbours line of work, he travels all over the country, can pass on his details if you require them.

[YarisSi]

I have to have a watching brief and having spoken to the man at the council he pointed me to the local historical society which will do my watching brief for a donation to the society (which also runs a great little museum in the village).

Si