We would recommend that part 5 of this policy have the following sentence (based on the NPPF), or simlilar, added after the sentence 'This should be explained in the accompanying Design and Access Statement or, for significant proposals, in a Heritage Statement'.

'Where a site on which development is proposed includes, or has the potential to include, heritage assets with archaeological interest, developers will be expected to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation'.

We are pleased to note that a policy has been included recognising the importance of the historic environment to the borough and that it highlights the need for applications to be supported by appropriately informed heritage statements. We would, however, highlight that desk-based assessment alone may not be sufficient, especially in respect of assessing archaeological potential. Would therefore recommend that this policy acknowledge that further field evaluation may also be necessary.