Burial grounds
Human burials and remains, whether in burial grounds or outside, are among other things an important source of information about past human activity and society which is not available elsewhere. While this is frequently accepted in burials dating from the sixteenth century or earlier, the clearance of post-mediaeval burial grounds, along with the archaeological resource they represent, has frequently been regarded as of little archaeological importance. Because of this, PPG16 (Planning Policy Guidelines) and County Structure Plan Policy BE4A indicate that unless there is good evidence of the absence of archaeological deposits and structures at the site, all groundbreaking developments in areas where human burials are known, or proposals for clearance of known cemeteries of whatever date, will require archaeological assessment prior to determination of applications.
Mediaeval small towns and historic village centres
The small mediaeval towns and mediaeval village centres of South Gloucestershire currently present difficulties in the management and protection of the archaeological resources that they contain. It is clear that many of these areas preserve archaeological information and material which is vital to the understanding of the origins and development of these settlements. This fragile and unrenewable resource is threatened by development, especially in areas where development outside of villages is discouraged. Because of this, PPG16 and County Structure Plan Policy BE4A indicate that unless there is good evidence of the absence of archaeological deposits and structures at the site, all groundbreaking developments in the area of the levels will require archaeological assessment prior to determination of applications.
Archaeology in the South Gloucestershire Levels
The Severn Levels - a low lying group of mostly coastal plains in the west of the county, present unusually difficult archaeological problems in the planning and implementation of new development. PPG16 and County Structure Plan Policy BE4A indicate that unless there is good evidence of the absence of archaeological deposits and structures at the site, all groundbreaking developments in the area of the levels will require archaeological assessment prior to determination.