29th November 2007, 01:29 PM
Posted by Vulpes:
I would certainly agree that the archaeological input to an EIA can be weakened by lack of adequate curator input, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it is pointless.
If the scope of work on an EIA has not been adequate, or if the conclusions are not defensible, then the scheme is open to challenge during the consultation period (potentially leading to a Public Inquiry, at which the conclusions would have to be defended). Even if it gets past that stage, any decision on a planning application is open to legal challenge - and there are cases on record of planning decisions being overturned in court because of faults in the EIA.
One thing any EIA consultant wants to avoid is a PI challenge or subsequent legal challenge on the basis of the inadequacy of their work.
If a proposed scheme is in any way controversial, experience shows that there will be people out there looking for any excuse to challenge the EIA, and if the archaeology looks weak they are likely to pick up on that.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Quote:quote:Without crucial curator input at all stages EIAs are pointless with regard to archaeology.
I would certainly agree that the archaeological input to an EIA can be weakened by lack of adequate curator input, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it is pointless.
If the scope of work on an EIA has not been adequate, or if the conclusions are not defensible, then the scheme is open to challenge during the consultation period (potentially leading to a Public Inquiry, at which the conclusions would have to be defended). Even if it gets past that stage, any decision on a planning application is open to legal challenge - and there are cases on record of planning decisions being overturned in court because of faults in the EIA.
One thing any EIA consultant wants to avoid is a PI challenge or subsequent legal challenge on the basis of the inadequacy of their work.
If a proposed scheme is in any way controversial, experience shows that there will be people out there looking for any excuse to challenge the EIA, and if the archaeology looks weak they are likely to pick up on that.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished