Well according to NYCC, English Heritage and the countryside agency, the application is contrary to a lot more policies than just net. important archaeology:
1. No Need for the Gravel - not a policy breach in itself but a serious and important issue - do we want to continue oversupplying gravel?
2. Not in Preferred Area - Policy 3/2
3. Not in Preferred Area of Search - Policy 3/3
4. Not a smale scale extension - Policy 3/4
4. Unacceptable restoration strategy forbest quality agricultural land 4/2
5. unacceptable loss of nationally important archaeology. Policy 4/8
6. Unacceptable impact on the setting of a national monument (The archaeology shows that the remains on Ladybridge were a part of the complex and therefore a specific point of reference within the Thornborough landscape. Policy 4/8
Since there is a consultation, list members may like to present their views to North Yorkshire County Council.
So far, the area of Neolithic pits etc. that Ladybridge is part of now totals in the region of 90 Neolithic features. Maybe if there was just a couple, EH would not be so firm on its judgement, but ultimately NYCC will defer to EH.
It would definately be good for us all to have a clear understanding as to how national importance is defined, after all, it is the responsibility of the on site archaeologist to inform the County Mounties and EH if they think they have found such remains. If there's confusion, there will be mistakes.
Save the Thornborough Henge Complex -
http://www.timewatch.org