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Hey folks,
I hope you don't mind, but i was hoping to spread the word about an issue which is very important to me.
I consider that archaeology is important, not just for me, but for our society as a whole. This importance is recognised in the planning process, with archaeology being a 'material consideration' in the planning process which requires that the archaeological implications of planning applications should be assessed as part of the consideration of any planning applications (see Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment). Unfortunately, the leader of the Fenland District Council, Alan Melton (an ex-builder), has recently, in a talk given at the FDC Building Design Awards, stated that, across his patch, conservation rules will be relaxed and archaeology will no longer be considered during the planning process in his patch. There was also a suggestion that there is to be a relaxation of controls relating other environmental issues.
A newspaper article which outlines the gist of his comments can be found at:Development rules relaxed in the Fens - but the
I particularly like his reference to 'bunny huggers'!
His full speech can be found at: Alan Melton
Not only is this contrary to PPS 5 and local and national policy, but this could directly result in the widespread loss of archaeology of national, as well as regional and local importance. I'll try to restrain my ranting, but I would beg your support in helping prevent this persons views affecting the long term preservation of our heritage. I am also personally concerned that while he has only specifically mentioned archaeologists, I suspect that he will be relaxing controls over a wider suite of environmental issues.
A petition has been set up to demonstrate people disagree with Mr Melton and his proposal to relax rules governing development control in the Cambridgeshire fens. If you feel that Mr Melton is wrong, please can I strongly encourage you to sign the petition and spread the word:
Oppose Plans to Scrap Archaeology in the Cambridgeshire Fens - PetitionBuzz
Further responses to Councillor Melton's comments can be found at:
The Archaeology Forum: http://www.britarch.ac.uk/sites/www....FDC_policy.pdf
Institute for Archaeologists: Letter to Fenland District Council | The Institute for Archaeologists
Letter from 32 leading archaeologists:
AUDIO : 32 archaeologists pen letter over controversial speech by Fenland Council Leader Alan Melton plus Radio 4 interview - News - Wisbech Standard
The Guardian newspaper also has an article on this issue: Archaeologists furious over councillor's 'bunny huggers' jibe | Science | guardian.co.uk
Thank you for your time, and apologies for my slight incoherance, i'm typing this on my phone at the end of a long day!
Best wishes, Anna
I hope you don't mind, but i was hoping to spread the word about an issue which is very important to me.
I consider that archaeology is important, not just for me, but for our society as a whole. This importance is recognised in the planning process, with archaeology being a 'material consideration' in the planning process which requires that the archaeological implications of planning applications should be assessed as part of the consideration of any planning applications (see Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment). Unfortunately, the leader of the Fenland District Council, Alan Melton (an ex-builder), has recently, in a talk given at the FDC Building Design Awards, stated that, across his patch, conservation rules will be relaxed and archaeology will no longer be considered during the planning process in his patch. There was also a suggestion that there is to be a relaxation of controls relating other environmental issues.
A newspaper article which outlines the gist of his comments can be found at:Development rules relaxed in the Fens - but the
I particularly like his reference to 'bunny huggers'!
His full speech can be found at: Alan Melton
Not only is this contrary to PPS 5 and local and national policy, but this could directly result in the widespread loss of archaeology of national, as well as regional and local importance. I'll try to restrain my ranting, but I would beg your support in helping prevent this persons views affecting the long term preservation of our heritage. I am also personally concerned that while he has only specifically mentioned archaeologists, I suspect that he will be relaxing controls over a wider suite of environmental issues.
A petition has been set up to demonstrate people disagree with Mr Melton and his proposal to relax rules governing development control in the Cambridgeshire fens. If you feel that Mr Melton is wrong, please can I strongly encourage you to sign the petition and spread the word:
Oppose Plans to Scrap Archaeology in the Cambridgeshire Fens - PetitionBuzz
Further responses to Councillor Melton's comments can be found at:
The Archaeology Forum: http://www.britarch.ac.uk/sites/www....FDC_policy.pdf
Institute for Archaeologists: Letter to Fenland District Council | The Institute for Archaeologists
Letter from 32 leading archaeologists:
AUDIO : 32 archaeologists pen letter over controversial speech by Fenland Council Leader Alan Melton plus Radio 4 interview - News - Wisbech Standard
The Guardian newspaper also has an article on this issue: Archaeologists furious over councillor's 'bunny huggers' jibe | Science | guardian.co.uk
Thank you for your time, and apologies for my slight incoherance, i'm typing this on my phone at the end of a long day!
Best wishes, Anna
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