Archaeological mitigation - preservation and excavation

In some circumstances it will be possible to permit development proposals which affect archaeological remains to proceed provided appropriate archaeological mitigation measures are in place which preserve the remains in the final development or ensure excavation recording prior to destruction. Mitigation may require design techniques that avoid disturbing the remains altogether or minimise the potential damage. Excavation and recording of remains is regarded as a second best option to physical preservation. The preservation in situ of important archaeological remains is therefore always to be preferred.