Planning to safeguard archaeology

29 January 2007

Important parts of Jersey ’s past are to be given greater protection following the adoption of new planning guidelines to identify and safeguard the Island ’s archaeology by the Planning and Environment Minister Senator Freddie Cohen.

In the week when the Island acknowledged the discovery of one of Jersey’s most important archaeological finds – the Catillon Hoard of Late Iron Age coins and jewellery found in Grouville 50 years ago – the Planning and Environment Minister has approved new Supplementary Planning Guidance about Archaeology and Planning, following a period of consultation.

The guidance sets out how planning policy - which helps to protect archaeological remains that are under threat from development - can be applied to development projects where there is likely to be some archaeological value.

“In many cases, archaeology is the key to understanding our past and it is important that the Island’s most important archaeological assets are given the protection that they deserve. The Catillon Hoard clearly demonstrates this as it enabled coin experts to date the earliest British coins” said Senator Cohen.”

“This new guidance will help us to safeguard the Island’s archaeology. We are working with Jersey Heritage Trust to define the most sensitive archaeological sites in the Island and this will help us to properly assess –from an archaeological perspective - planning applications in these areas. It will also provide greater certainty for developers who will be alerted to the possibility of archaeology and will be able to plan their schemes with greater knowledge.” he added.

“This is a long-awaited and positive step forward which is important both for the Island’s archaeological resources and for the Island’s compliance with international conventions about safeguarding our past” said Senator Cohen.

Whilst the guidance has been adopted, it will come into effect when areas of archaeological sensitivity are defined. Jersey Heritage Trust are advising the Planning and Environment Department about archaeologically sensitive sites which will be identified and defined on the Department’s Historic Buildings Register and the Island Plan.

Contacts

Senator Freddie Cohen 07797 714550

Minister for Planning and Environment

Notes to editors

Policy G12 of the 2002 Island Plan requires an archaeological evaluation to be carried out for development proposals which may affect archaeological remains.

Consultation was undertaken between 13 October – 24 November 2006 and some amendments to the new guidance were made in light of the consultation response.

Copies of the guidance and the response to consultation are attached.