Archaeology in the planning process

One of the main tools we have to protect archaeology within the National Park is the planning development process.

We receive hundreds of planning applications each year and each one is assessed for any potential impact on archaeology.

When necessary we can impose conditions on developments, requiring builders to commission archaeological work that we monitor. In some rare cases planning applications may be refused where the archaeological potential is of national significance.

This ensures that new developments do not adversely affect the New Forest’s precious archaeology.