Rubicon regularly provides professional advice on how archaeology fits into the planning process. Whether it's an initial consultation or a more in‑depth feasibility study, we provide clarity on the implications of planning policy or planning permission for site‑specific developments. By working with our clients at the earliest stages of a project, we can provide expert understanding of any constraints or risks associated with a site and mitigate any potential cultural heritage issues. We are committed to sustainable development policy with sensitivity to our archaeological heritage. Rubicon Archaeology is one of the few arcaheological companies that has expertise with planning legislation accross multiple countries.
A Desk Based Assessment (DBA) is an appraisal using available archaeological and historical information to determine any known, or potentially unknown, archaeological or cultural heritage assets in the area and assess their impact on a proposed site. It is a vital tool in the early stages of the planning process. Rubicon has extensive experience in providing well‑researched and succinct DBAs, which give our clients the information they need to assess potential risk, as well as the right level of information to support their planning application.
By gathering site‑specific information, we identify any environmental impacts that may arise from a proposed development. The Rubicon consultancy team is second to none. Our approach is shaped by many years of experience and built on considerable expertise in delivering the cultural heritage contribution to the Environmental Statement. Our aim is to make potentially complex projects as streamlined as possible using creative solutions to help our clients achieve success.
A Heritage Statement is often required to support a planning or listed building consent application which affects a heritage asset or its setting, either directly or indirectly. An asset can be either a building, monument, site, area, landscape or below ground archaeological remains that is considered to have historical interest, and which contributes to our understanding of the past. It will describe the architectural and historic significance of the asset. It will identify the impact of any proposals and seek to justify those impacts and minimise harm while demonstrating the applicants' understanding of the heritage significance and may form part of a Design and Access Statement.
Built heritage is a treasured link to generations past. Architectural heritage can be divided into three broad categories of either monuments, groups of buildings or sites conspicuous for their historical, archaeological, artistic, scientific, social, or technical interest. Part of the planning process may require carrying out a Built Heritage or Historic Building survey in advance of works. The survey team at Rubicon has extensive knowledge and experience of recording and interpreting historic buildings and landscapes of all types and periods. We provide a professional, efficient, and cost-effective service to a diverse client base.
A walkover survey is often undertaken prior to fieldwork in order to highlight any immediately apparent issues which may present constraints to a project. Walkover may require consulting a series of records and resources such as aerial imagery, historic maps, LiDAR data etc. During the walkover survey earthworks, walls and any other features identified in the landscape are logged with GPS and photographed. By investigating known sites in the vicinity of the proposed development, we provide an overview of the area and ascertain if more detailed surveys may be necessary.