28th November 2007, 01:53 PM
Quote:quote:The scale of the projects (in Northamptonshire, it's 5,000 houses a year for the next 20 years) required to meet the figures in the RSSes will mean that they will require EIAs (and this is because of EU law as well as UK law) and they encompass the archaeological resource as well as the natural environment
Northants is not a particularly good example here given the current lack of archaeological advice to the districts and the delivery agencies (although the county do have someone now I believe). Without crucial curator input at all stages EIAs are pointless with regard to archaeology. And with nobody to produce briefs and monitor archaeological work further down the line I can't see this area producing employment for anyone save EIA producing consultants.
But perhaps you know something I don't. That said this ain't the only area undergoing massive Prescott initiated housing expansion, so there should be plenty of work elsewhere for some years to come.