|
The information held on scheduled monuments consists of a
map showing the location of the site and a description of the known
archaeological remains.
When a monument is being considered for listing as a scheduled
monument, which will then be protected under the Ancient Monuments
and Archaeological Areas Act (1979), it is judged according to
certain guidelines.
The main criteria for the scheduling of sites are outlined in
the archaeology and planning policy guidance
notes (link opens in a new window) set out by Communities
and Local Government.
These are:
Period: All types of monuments that
characterise a category or period should be considered for
preservation.
Rarity: There are some monument categories
which, in certain periods, are so scarce that all surviving
examples which still retain some archaeological potential should be
preserved.
In general however, a selection must be made which portrays the
typical and commonplace as well as the rare.
This process should take account of all aspects of the
distribution of a particular class of monument, both in a national
and a regional context.
Documentation: The significance of a monument
may be enhanced by the existence of records of previous
investigation or, in the case of more recent monuments, by the
supporting evidence of contemporary written records.
Group value: The value of a single monument
(such as a field system) may be greatly enhanced by its association
with related contemporary monuments (such as a settlement and a
cemetery) or with monuments of different periods.
In some cases, it is preferable to protect the complete group of
monuments, including associated and adjacent land, rather than to
protect isolated monuments within the group.
Survival/condition: The survival of a
monument's archaeological potential both above and below ground is
a particularly important consideration and should be assessed in
relation to its present condition and surviving features.
Fragility/vulnerability: Highly important
archaeological evidence from some field monuments can be destroyed
by a single ploughing or unsympathetic treatment.
Vulnerable monuments of this nature would particularly benefit
from the statutory protection which scheduling confers.
There are also existing standing structures of particular form
or complexity whose value can again be severely reduced by neglect
or careless treatment.
These structures are similarly well suited to scheduled monument
protection, even if these structures are already listed historic
buildings.
Diversity: Some monuments may be selected for
scheduling because they possess a combination of high quality
features, others because of a single important attribute.
Potential: On occasion, the nature of the
evidence cannot be specified precisely but it may still be possible
to document reasons anticipating its existence and importance and
so demonstrate the justification for scheduling.
Scheduling based on potential is usually confined to sites rather
than upstanding monuments. |