Cheshire Archaeology Planning Advisory Service

The Chester and Boughton Area of Archaeological Importance (AAI) is one of only five AAIs designated in England. The relevant information on the implications of the designation is contained in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 .

An Area of Archaeological Importance is a designated zone where significant archaeological remains are known or expected to exist. These areas receive special protection to ensure that any development considers the potential impact on archaeological remains. The concept was introduced by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. In these areas, owners and developers are required to notify and allow archaeologists access to excavate and record findings before any work begins.

In summary, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 it is a criminal offence to undertake any operations within a designated Area of Archaeological Importance which may disturb the ground of, flood, or tip upon any site (see part II section 35), without giving the administering Authority (Cheshire West & Chester Council) six weeks notice of the commencement of those operations (see part II section 36). There are a number of operations which can be undertaken within the Area of Archaeological Importance which are exempted from section 35 of the 1979 Act. These are listed in The Areas of Archaeological Importance (Notification of Operations) (Exemption) Order 1984.

A depiction of the extent of the Chester and Boughton Area of Archaeological Importance is available on our Public Map Viewer.

The Chester Archaeological Plan contains further information and advice for applicants considering developments within the area of the Chester and Boughton Area of Archaeological Importance.