Archaeological planning advice

We offer archaeological advice to help care for historic places in Lincolnshire. This includes proposals for national infrastructure projects, such as roads, pipelines, and quarries.
 
We provide advice to local planning authorities in:
  • West Lindsey
  • South Holland
Other local authorities get advice from Heritage Lincolnshire or the City Archaeologist.
 
We can offer advice to members of the public or applicants and their agents. 
 
We recommend that all developers seek our advice early in the planning process. They may be required to assess the impacts on heritage assets or their setting. 
 
Developers must consult the Historic Environment Record for all planning applications. They may need desk-based assessments or an archaeological field evaluation. 
 
In some cases, a development cannot avoid impacting upon an historic place. Developers must record the impact it will have and make the public aware. 
 
This is a condition of planning consent and could include:
  • monitoring of groundworks
  • excavation
  • historic building recording
We can also offer advice to farmers and land managers about: 
  • countryside stewardship
  • forestry schemes
  • estate management plans
  • habitat restoration
  • drainage projects

Scheduled monuments 

It is an offence to carry out works to an Ancient Monument by law. Scheduled monument consent can only be granted by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport as advised by Historic England. 

If you are the owner of an Ancient Monument, Historic England have a guide available online. 

Damage or unauthorised works to an Ancient Monument can be reported to midlands@HistoricEngland.org.uk or lincssmr@lincolnshire.gov.uk. 

To find out more about how we help to protect and enhance the historic environment, read:

Heritage advice service

Our heritage advice service provides expert guidance on how proposed projects may affect Lincolnshire’s historic environment.

If you need to assess whether a scheme or project may affect the historic environment, you can request advice for your site.

In addition to this advice, you may also need to commission a search of the Lincolnshire Historic Environment Record (HER). 

Data provided from the HER can include:

  • PDF reports and GIS shapefiles for all Monument and Event records
  • details of nationally designated assets
  • relevant Historic Landscape Characterisation data
  • relevant Extensive Urban Survey data and reports

Charges

  • £160 if payment is made through our online payment system
  • £75 per additional hour of staff time if the search request is especially large or complex

Our service only covers the Lincolnshire County Council area.

For advice in other areas, please contact the relevant staff at North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council, or City of Lincoln Council.

We aim to respond to all requests within 10 working days.

Request historic environment advice

If you’re unsure about your requirements, site location, or have any questions, please email the Historic Environment Team before making a payment.