Adge Cutler Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 (edited) Here’s one for any budding Howard Carters among us which, in my 40 odd years in the industry, Ive never encountered before. All Hypothetical of course I introduce a Client to a piece of land, in this case Housing Society X. They agree to Purchase for 2 million and build 100 houses. For Planning… Planners require a Archaeological desk study which is done. (standard procedure) County Archaeologist requires Site investigation and report.... (which will be organised.) Any artefacts found are logged and recorded. If these are of significance a watching brief is required during excavation works…. expensive but not insurmountable (standard procedure) Here’s where it gets interesting…what happens if in the event of the Housing Society purchasing the land and then after planning is granted and work begins, artefacts of national historical significance are found such as; a medieval burial chamber, roman mosaic, the body of a missing King or even Cranfields’ hidden wallet. ( sorry Cranfield couldn’t resist that one ) !! Normally under the JCT suite of contracts there’s is a cessation instruction issued pending the Archaeology clause being implemented and further survey and recording works, being undertaken ....which can take years. If this should be the case and the site becomes one of national importance is there a Government backed compensation scheme whereby the Society can recover the purchase cost of the land and any bona fide expenditure. ?? Edited October 5, 2016 by Adge Cutler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 hello, have you researched the land ? i have heard of builders finding as you mentioned but not declared as it may put back construction for weeks or months this happened on the building of the A34 to and many a pipe laying across country Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adge Cutler Posted October 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 Yes we have carried out extensive research and Site investigation. It has some history as a former industrial use going back to 1890 which isn't that old to be honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 Yes we have carried out extensive research and Site investigation. It has some history as a former industrial use going back to 1890 which isn't that old to be honest. hello Adge, i am no expert but if that is the case i cannot see any problem unless you find anything in the early stages of construction, or any hazardous material from industrial use. hope all goes well, cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lampwick Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 I would suggest the artefacts would belong to the Housing Association and if "Treasure" they will be "rewarded" for them under the Treasure Trove Act. However I'm pretty sure its the owners responsibility to deal with them and at their cost! Not sure re buildings. I do know that some have been re buried as its much cheaper!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 I do know for a fact that in the areas of the WW1 battlefields in France builders simply never find human remains but boxes appear from time to time respectfully placed where they will be found inside war cemetries. Its a practical compromise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 Finders keepers; losers weepers. Time to call 'Sir' Tony Robinson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AVB Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 Heres one for any budding Howard Carters among us which, in my 40 odd years in the industry, Ive never encountered before. If this should be the case and the site becomes one of national importance is there a Government backed compensation scheme whereby the Society can recover the purchase cost of the land and any bona fide expenditure. ?? You can't be the first person to look into the consequences of this. Surely the big players must encounter this all the time so surprised there isn't an indemnity you can buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntsman Posted October 5, 2016 Report Share Posted October 5, 2016 Archaeologist normally work prior to any excavations and if anything is found ,the y work closely with the contractors,but very costly,they also can prevent the project from proceeding,until such time they are satisfied all artefacts have been safely excavated and removed anything of significant historic interest will be placed onto a registry. I do know several archaeologist who can advise if required,and can also provide a geophysics survey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manthing Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 I do believe that there is a specialist insurance to cover this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampire Posted October 8, 2016 Report Share Posted October 8, 2016 Thought they were like environmental,you have no control at all and may have to pay as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.