28th August 2011, 02:55 PM
Marcus Brody Wrote:.... While the Council archaeologist may visit community or academic excavations, they don't have any power to specify that work should be done in a certain way or to a certain level, as their remit usually only relates to work undertaken as part of the planning system.
Whilst this is true, one would assume that a 'Council archaeologist' visiting an excavation that falls outside of their employment brief, is doing so first and foremost as an archaeologist with an interest in the project and not as a individual frustrated that his or her sphere of influence is too limited to have a direct influence on the project strategy.
I'm not so sure that academics who don't inform someone they don't need to inform about an activity with which that person has no involvement necessarily makes the academic a 'bad' person .... Even in a country such as Norway which enjoys much more positive heritage legislation than the UK, there is no requirement on the regulated excavation museums to inform the 'Council archaeologist' of their comings and goings in any particular area or over any specific project.....by the time the excavation comes about the role of the 'Council archaeologist' has finished. I would suggest that the same applies in UK law. By the time an excavation or monitoring resulting from a planning condition comes about, any legal remedy resulting from such work is the responsibility of planning 'enforcement' and not planning advice....
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...