PPG 16: The Paper that Rocked British Archaeology
'Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and Planning' doesn't lend itself to snazzy headlines. Nor does it make any discoveries, dig up mummies or make new theories. But it may just be the most important paper to hit archaeology since the Dead Sea Scrolls. PPG 16, as it's known in the trade, deserves to be better known. It's saved some of Britain's most iconic archaeological treasures, and has revolutionalised the way we can hold on to our hidden past. Here's a quick look at the policy, and some effects it has had since its inception in 1990.
PPG 16 started life thanks to the British public. The 80s were in full swing, with rampant development changing the face of the nation everywhere, not least London. Yet all this ferocious building was taking its toll on the city's subterranean secrets, and developers went a step (or ten) too far when they proposed the destruction of the 16th century Rose Theatre, London's fourth ever, famous for staging William Shakespeare's masterpieces during the Tudor Era. The public cried out in dismay: how could such a precious artefact be lost? The government heeded its people's worries, heading to the printers to usher in PPG 16, replacing the Circular 8/87 bill many saw as ill-focused and out-of-touch.
But what does PPG 16 say? Here's a brief summary:
- The historic landscape is a fundamental part of the government's commitment to environmental stewardship.
- Archaeological remains are a finite and non-renewable source, and must be a material consideration when appyling for new plans. That is, considering an environment's archaeology is a necessary step in the planning process. This may be in the form of desk-based analysis, or field work like trial trenching.
- Care must be taken to ensure substantial archaeological material is not destroyed by development.
The last point needs a bit more explaining. The paper basically offers two ways of 'caring' for archaeological remains. Firstly, if possible the artefacts should remain in situ (where they are), with foundations of any new development changed to go above them, atop made ground. If this can't be done, PPG 16 allows archaeologists to be brought in to record items and remove them. This is a contentious issue: after all, when is development so utterly vital that it can justify the second method? Many feel even PPG 16 is too soft in this respect.
What effect has PPG 16 had almost 20 years after its birth? There are arguments on both sides, but most archaeologists agree it has opened Britain up to archaeology in a way never seen before. PPG 16 shifted responsibility for archaeological work into the hands of the developer, meaning they could pick private firms or individuals. An explosion of field work thus followed, leading to a wealth of material and knowledge of Britain's rich past. This has led to more people being able to forge a career in archaeology. Who knows - the Carters and Petries of tomorrow might owe their greatest discoveries to a piece of paper?
Maybe the Carters and Petries of tomorrow will owe their discoveries to PPG 16
Yet PPG 16 isn't without its critics. Some argue the explosion in archaeology commercialised the profession too much, leading to poorer quality digs and haphazard handling of precious artefacts. Intense competition for work, and the fact developers frequently view archaeology as little more than an annoying cost to their plans, means many archaeologists are chronically underpaid compared with other professionals. Some argue this has also brought the standard of work in Britain down.
PPG 16 isn't even law. Ultimate control rests on the discretion of the Secretary of State, and archaeological consultancy is usually carried out by a County Archaeologist, who some feel may have more than a slight conflict of interest where development projects are concerned. Archaeological remains still aren't allowed the same protection as, say, endangered animals.
PPG 16 may have its doubters, but there's no denying it has changed the face of British archaeology forever. Now ruins which may have been bulldozed by unscrupulous contractors are protected, allowing more of the country's past to survive. It might not catch many headlines, but British heritage has got a lot to thank PPG 16 for. You might want to say a little thanks next time see a British story here on Heritage Key.
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