Introduction
Peterborough City Council Archaeological Services (PCCAS) operate within the boundaries of Peterborough Unitary Authority. PCCAS’ main role is to:
- Provide advice and information on the archaeology and historic environment of Peterborough Unitary Authority.
- Provide advice on the archaeological implications of development both within and outside the planning system.
- Advise farmers and landowners on grant-aided management of the historic environment.
- Maintain the Historic Environment Record (HER) database of heritage assets within the boundaries of Peterborough Unitary Authority.
Archaeological archives
Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery is the official repository of archival material generated by archaeological fieldwork undertaken within the boundaries of Peterborough Unitary Authority. Separate charges and policies apply.
Archaeological planning advice
In line with government and local planning policies, good practice advice, and professional standards, Peterborough City Council Archaeological Service (PCCAS):
- Provide archaeological advice to the planners on all matters relating to the archaeological implications of land-use planning, both for strategic planning and for development management case work.
- Provide archaeological advice to developers, utility providers, government agencies and other interested parties as appropriate. This is to ensure a proper understanding of the planning process, and to secure the best possible protection for the archaeological resource by identifying appropriate archaeological mitigation options, setting requirements and monitoring work.
According to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), archaeology is a material consideration within the planning system. Therefore, development proposals may lead to fieldwork to be carried out pre-application, pre-determination or as a condition attached to a planning permission.
On request, Peterborough City Council Archaeological Services will produce a brief to outline the circumstances which need to be addressed in relation to the archaeological work. A brief may also inform a required Written Scheme of Investigation.
Charging policy for Archaeological Planning Advice
Charges for Archaeological Planning Advice were implemented on 1 June 2020 and are reviewed annually. These charges are applied to all new casework and for new stages of ongoing archaeological investigations.
Please read the policy document below to understand the charges your requests may require.
Make a Archaeological Planning Advice request
To request Archaeological Planning Advice, Charges and Payment, please use the online application form below.
Historic Environment Record
Peterborough City Council Archaeological Services (PCCAS) maintain the Historic Environment Record (HER), the definitive digital record of the known archaeological and historic remains within the boundaries of Peterborough Unitary Authority.
It digitally maintains three types of records:
- Monuments of all periods, from find spots to earthworks
- Events, investigative fieldwork such as research, surveys or excavations
- Sources and references
As well as database records, the HER has digital copies of historic maps, annotated maps, photographs and unpublished fieldwork reports.
To view Peterborough HER online, please visit the Heritage Gateway. Please note that the HER database may contain more detailed information than is currently available online.
Charging policy for Historic Environment Records
You can request Historic Environment Records for commercial purposes at a cost, or for education, research or personal reasons free of charge.
Make a Historic Environment Record request
To apply for a new Historic Environment Record, please complete the online application form and payment process appropriate for your purpose (commercial or non-commercial) below:
Reporting information to the Historic Environment Record
Peterborough City Council Historic Environment Record welcomes any contributions on historic buildings, monuments, finds and sites of archaeological and/or historic interest, as well as community and research projects on aspects of Peterborough Authority’s historic environment.
Please contact us for advice on data format and key information required to create records of an appropriate standard.
Countryside Stewardship
The Countryside Stewardship (CS) is an agri-environment scheme that provides funding for farmers, woodland owners, foresters and land managers to make environmental improvements, including the protection of the historic environment.
Peterborough City Council Archaeological Services (PCCAS) provides advice to Natural England on grant-aided management of the historic landscape for applications for Higher Tier, which covers the more environmentally significant sites, commons and woodlands. Specifically, PCCAS complete the Historic Environment Farm Environment Record (HEFER) on behalf of CS applicants using the Selected Heritage Inventory for Natural England (SHINE) web portal.
Find out more about the Countryside Stewardship.
Guidance for woodland planting
We designed the following document to aid all stakeholders interested / involved in woodland creation schemes. This guidance helps to identify the potential implications of such schemes for the historic environment and its setting, including historic landscape and townscape.
Useful links
- Flag Fen Bronze Age Centre
- Peterborough Central Library
- Peterborough Cathedral
- Burghley House
- University Centre Peterborough
- Nene Park Ferry Meadows
- Peterborough Local Plan
- Historic England
- Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA)
- Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO)
- Fane Road Archaeology Group (FRAG)
- Langdyke Countryside Trust History and Archaeology Group (HAG)
- Nene Valley Archaeological Trust (NVAT)
Contact Archaeological Services
Write to:
Archaeology
Natural and Historic Environment
Planning Services
Place and Economy
Peterborough City Council
Sand Martin House
Bittern Way
Fletton Quays
Peterborough
PE2 8TY
