Utilities

We work with utility providers, such as Scottish Water, to assist them in maintaining and improving their infrastructure. Statutory Undertakers are able to use permitted development rights under the General Permitted Development Order, although they continue to consider their potential impact on the Historic Environment. At the same time proposals for strategic infrastructure may require planning consent and in some cases Environmental Impact Assessment.

Our staff are experienced in the interaction of these differing planning regimes and can deliver works that reflect the legal position of the utility provider. Given the nature of utility projects we frequently monitor ground breaking works as the build progresses. Our field teams deliver a rapid response to record archaeological material exposed during works, ensuring time constrained works can continue.

Informed design can suppress the impact, and hence cost, of any utility scheme. Our early involvement was sought for an extension of Balmichael WTW on Arran, the construction of which in 1999 required a major archaeological excavation as it stands within a rich archaeological landscape. Through baseline studies and working closely with the local authority archaeology service, the extension avoided known archaeological sites and areas of high potential. As a result the extension required minimal archaeological intervention on-site to deliver this build.

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