Development Control
Archaeological assessments are carried out on development sitesZoomThe Archaeology Team provides archaeological advice to the Planning Section of Shetland Islands Council, under a Service Level Agreement, fulfilling the role of the “Regional Archaeology Service”. Direct consultation takes place on planning applications which clearly have a potential archaeological impact, the weekly published list is also monitored to reduce the possibility of cases being missed.
The Sites and Monuments Record is used to help investigate any planned development site. When archaeology is identified in the vicinity of a development, an archaeological assessment will be required at the site before making recommendations to the Planning Department. Where possible our staff will try to work with developers to devise a reasonable mitigation strategy: a recommendation for refusal is a last resort when damage is unavoidable if the application proceeds.
Pre-application queries are always welcome from all developers – from house/shed builders to wind farm constructers. Many problems can be avoided by an early discussion about the favoured site before an application is submitted and any money paid out. It is strongly advised to make an appointment however, as the work of the team frequently takes them out of the office. See our contact page for ways to get in touch, or submit a query.
