Desk Based Assessment

A Desk Based Assessment is often a pre-requisite of a planning application. To understand the potential impacts of a development, a Desk Based Assessment will assess both below ground archaeological assets and above ground heritage assets. In addition to meeting planning requirements, Desk Based Assessments give clients the information they need to evaluate potential risks, and can often be beneficial if used as preparation prior to land acquisition or submitting a planning application.

Why choose us for Desk Based Assessments

Typically Heritage Consultants engage us to produce Desk Based Assessments on their behalf because of our experience in this area. We can also work directly with end clients, including property developers and land acquisition companies.

The benefit of choosing us to undertake a Desk Based Assessment lies in our specialist knowledge and experience, particularly if any further investigation is required. There will be no need to brief a new team, which saves you time and money, as we already understand your project scope.  For example, if the Desk Based Assessment has demonstrated that your site has archaeological potential, then one of our qualified archaeologists can undertake a geophysical survey, commission a watching brief or, if the project demands, facilitate excavation.

If planning demands it, we can also compile the Cultural Heritage and Archaeology section of an Environmental Impact Assessment, of which the Desk Based Assessment will form a part. To find out more, visit the Environmental Impact Assessment page or call us on 0113 535 0163.