Pragmatic archaeological strategy supporting residential development
The challenge
Orion Heritage supported the Parklee Court residential development in Keighley by helping the client navigate archaeological concerns raised during the planning process and avoid unnecessary pre-construction investigation works.
NorthCountry Homes approached Orion Heritage following comments from the local authority’s archaeological advisor requesting a programme of archaeological work prior to development commencing. Orion Heritage was appointed to engage directly with West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS) and establish an appropriate and proportionate strategy for the site
Our approach
Orion Heritage prepared a comprehensive desk-based assessment drawing on Historic Environment Record data alongside a detailed review of historic mapping, LiDAR data and aerial photography. The assessment considered the archaeological potential of the site, including possible remains associated with nearby historic industrial activity.
Our analysis concluded that the archaeological potential of the site was low and that further archaeological works were unlikely to be justified.
Following submission of the assessment, WYAAS accepted Orion Heritage’s conclusions and confirmed that no additional archaeological investigation would be required.
By combining robust analysis with pragmatic engagement with the archaeological advisor, Orion Heritage helped the client avoid unnecessary pre-commencement works and progress the scheme efficiently into construction.
The residential development is now under construction.
Key outcomes
- Archaeological strategy developed for residential development scheme
- Direct negotiation with West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service
- Comprehensive archaeological desk-based assessment prepared
- Historic mapping, LiDAR and aerial photography analysis undertaken
- Further archaeological works successfully avoided
- Residential scheme progressed efficiently into construction
