4.53.1 The Borough has a rich and varied archaeological heritage which requires protection, as archaeological remains are irreplaceable. Remains are a finite and non-renewable resource, often fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction and care must be taken to ensure that archaeological remains are not needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed. Where nationally important remains and their settings may be affected by proposals for development there is a strong presumption in favour of their physical preservation.

4.53.2 There are over 50 Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) within the Borough. Scheduled Ancient Monuments are protected under the terms of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Development which would affect such sites requires Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, in addition to planning permission. There are also nationally important archaeological sites which are unscheduled and these must be protected, through the planning process, from damaging development.