Archaeological Evaluation
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"A limited programme of non-intrusive and/or intrusive fieldwork which determines the presence or absence of archaeological features, structures, deposits, artefacts or
ecofacts within a specified area or site." (Institute for Archaeologists Standards and Guidance).
An evaluation involves excavation of one or more trenches in order to sample for the presence and extent of archaeology on a site. Depending on the results of an evaluation, the planning authorities may decide that further archaeological investigation is necessary usually as a condition attached to the granting of planning permission.
Archaeological evaluations are usually undertaken as part of the predetermination phase of a planning application with permission being granted subject to the results of the evaluation.