BUILT HERITAGE AND ARCHAEOLOGY

4.10 The North East is famed for its distinctive built heritage which includes listed buildings, scheduled monuments, archaeological sites, historic gardens, distinctive townscapes and conservation areas. It is the government’s stated aim to safeguard and protect the historic environment from inappropriate development and provide for change that respects its character and meets the needs of local communities, as set out in NPPG 18 on "Planning and the Historic Environment". Active conservation of our built heritage will provide local diversity and interest, benefit future generations and contribute towards the aims of sustainable development. It will also enhance the attractiveness of the area for business and tourism.

4.11 Government guidance on Archaeology and Planning aims to preserve archaeological sites. Where this is not possible, there is a need to excavate and record such sites. The overall objective for the built heritage and archaeology should be to protect what is of value and ensure that new development adds to the quality and character of the environment.