URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1410

Decision Maker: Planning and Development

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report seeking authority from Committee in respect of a Service Level Agreement with LCC for archaeological advice for the period 2026-27.   A proposed SLA had been issued by LCC to RVBC for 2026/27 for a fee of £11,516, a copy of which was appended to the report. The costs were proportioned across the receiving Lancashire authorities based on anticipated use of the service. As well as assessing all planning applications requiring ground disturbance via the weekly list, the SLA included provision for the Historic Environment Team to assess historic building applications, development consent order (DCO) projects, provide input to policy (local plans, land allocations, neighbourhood plans etc) and importantly, maintain, manage and enhance the Lancashire Historic Environment Record (HER).   LCC remained committed to reviewing the existing charging system towards the end of the current 3-year cycle to ensure it remained proportionally fair when setting new fees for the next 3-year cycle 2027-2030. Updated statistics on usage would be monitored by officers to inform the decision on entering into future SLAs, which would be brought to Committee at a later date. In the meantime, it was considered that entering into a SLA with LCC for 2026/27 would be the most appropriate course of action to allow RVBC to continue to benefit from the archaeology advice it received from LCC and meet the requirements of the NPPF both in terms of sound decision taking and plan making.   RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   Approved the Council entering into a Service Level Agreement with Lancashire County Council (LCC) for the provision of Archaeological advice for 2026/27 and pay the invoice of £11,516 for that period when issued by LCC.

Date of Decision: February 5, 2026