Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979

Part I E+W+S Ancient Monuments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pt. I (ss. 1-32) extended (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 70, 125(2), Sch. 9 para.10(1) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

Protection of scheduled monumentsE+W+S

1 Schedule of monuments.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State shall compile and maintain for the purposes of this Act (in such form as he thinks fit) a schedule of monuments (referred to below in this Act as “the Schedule”).

(2)The Secretary of State shall on first compiling the Schedule include therein—

(a)any monument included in the list last published before the commencement of this Act under section 12 of the M1Ancient Monuments Consolidation and Amendment Act 1913; and

(b)any monument in respect of which the Secretary of State has before the commencement of this Act served notice on any person in accordance with section 6(1) of the M2Ancient Monuments Act 1931 of his intention to include it in a list to be published under section 12.

(3)Subject to subsection (4) below, the Secretary of State may on first compiling the Schedule or at any time thereafter include therein any monument which appears to him to be of national importance.

[F1The Secretary of State shall consult the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (in this Act referred to as “the Commission”) before he includes in the Schedule a monument situated in England.]

(4)The power of the Secretary of State under subsection (3) above to include any monument in the Schedule does not apply to any structure which is occupied as a dwelling house by any person other than a person employed as the caretaker thereof or his family.

(5)The Secretary of State may—

(a)exclude any monument from the Schedule; or

(b)amend the entry in the Schedule relating to any monument (whether by excluding anything previously included as part of the monument or adding anything not previously so included, or otherwise).

[F2In the case of a monument situated in England, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before he makes an exclusion or amendment.]

(6)As soon as may be after—

(a)including any monument in the Schedule under subsection (3) above;

(b)amending the entry in the Schedule relating to any monument; or

(c)excluding any monument from the Schedule;

the Secretary of State shall [F3(subject to subsection (6A) below)] inform the owner and (if the owner is not the occupier) the occupier of the monument, and any local authority in whose area the monument is situated, of the action taken and, in a case falling within paragraph (a) or (b) above, shall also send to him or them a copy of the entry or (as the case may be) of the amended entry in the Schedule relating to that monument.

[F4(6A)Subsection (6) above shall not apply as regards a monument situated in England but, as soon as may be after acting as mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of that subsection as regards such a monument, the Secretary of State shall inform the Commision of the action taken and, in a case falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection, shall also send to the Commission a copy of the entry or (as the case may be) of the amended entry in the Schedule relating to that monument.]

(7)[F5Subject to subsection (7A) below] The Secretary of State shall from time to time publish a list of all the monuments which are for the time being included in the Schedule, whether as a single list or in sections containing the monuments situated in particular areas; but in the case of a list published in sections, all sections of the list need not be published simultaneously.

[F6(7A)Subsection (7) above shall not apply as regards monuments situated in England, but the Secretary of State shall from time to time supply the Commission with a list of all the monuments which are so situated and are for the time being included in the Schedule, whether as a single list or in sections containing the monuments situated in particular areas; but in the case of a list supplied in sections, all sections of the list need not be supplied simultaneously.]

(8)The Secretary of State may from time to time publish amendments of any list published under subsection (7) above, and any such list (as amended) shall be evidence of the inclusion in the Schedule for the time being—

(a)of the monuments listed; and

(b)of any matters purporting to be reproduced in the list from the entries in the Schedule relating to the monuments listed.

[F7(8A)The Secretary of State shall from time to time supply the Commission with amendments of any list supplied under subsection (7A) above.]

(9)An entry in the Schedule recording the inclusion therein of a monument situated in England and Wales shall be a local land charge.

(10)It shall be competent to record in the Register of Sasines—

(a)a certified copy of the entry or (as the case may be) the amended entry in the Schedule relating to any monument in Scotland which is heritable; and

(b)where any such monument is excluded from the Schedule and a certified copy of the entry in the Schedule relating to it has previously been so recorded under paragraph (a) above, a certificate issued by or on behalf of the Secretary of State stating that it has been so excluded.

(11)In this Act “scheduled monument” means any monument which is for the time being included in the Schedule.

[F81A Commission’s functions as to informing and publishing.E+W+S

(1)As soon as may be after the Commission—

(a)have been informed as mentioned in section 1(6A) of this Act, and

(b)in a case falling within section 1(6)(a) or (b) of this Act, have received a copy of the entry or (as the case may be) of the amended entry from the Secretary of State,

the Commission shall inform the owner and (if the owner is not the occupier) the occupier of the monument, and any local authority in whose area the monument is situated, of the inclusion, amendment or exclusion and, in a case falling within section 1(6)(a) or (b), shall also send to him or them a copy of the entry or (as the case may be) of the amended entry in the Schedule relating to that monument.

(2)As soon as may be after the Commission receive a list or a section in pursuance of section 1(7A) of this Act, they shall publish the list or section (as the case may be).

(3)The Commission shall from time to time publish amendments of any list published under subsection (2) above, and any such list (as amended) shall be evidence of the inclusion in the Schedule for the time being—

(a)of the monuments listed; and

(b)of any matters purporting to be reproduced in the list from the entries in the Schedule relating to monuments listed.]

2 Control of works affecting scheduled monuments.E+W+S

(1)If any person executes or causes or permits to be executed any works to which this section applies he shall be guilty of an offence unless the works are authorised under this Part of this Act.

(2)This section applies to any of the following works, that is to say—

(a)any works resulting in the demolition or destruction of or any damage to a scheduled monument;

(b)any works for the purpose of removing or repairing a scheduled monument or any part of it or of making any alterations or additions thereto; and

(c)any flooding or tipping operations on land in, on or under which there is a scheduled monument.

(3)Without prejudice to any other authority to execute works conferred under this Part of this Act, works to which this section applies are authorised under this Part of this Act if—

(a)the Secretary of State has granted written consent (referred to below in this Act as “scheduled monument consent”) for the execution of the works; and

(b)the works are executed in accordance with the terms of the consent and of any conditions attached to the consent.

(4)Scheduled monument consent may be granted either unconditionally or subject to conditions (whether with respect to the manner in which or the persons by whom the works or any of the works are to be executed or otherwise).

(5)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4) above, a condition attached to a scheduled monument consent may require that

[F9(a)a person authorised by the Commission (in a case where the monument in question is situated in England), or

(b)the Secretary of State or a person authorised by the Secretary of State (in any other case)]

be afforded an opportunity, before any works to which the consent relates are begun, to examine the monument and its site and carry out such excavations therein as appear to the Secretary of State to be desirable for the purpose of archaeological investigation.

(6)Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, if a person executing or causing or permitting to be executed any works to which a scheduled monument consent relates fails to comply with any condition attached to the consent he shall be guilty of an offence, unless he proves that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid contravening the condition.

(7)In any proceedings for an offence under this section in relation to works within subsection (2)(a) above it shall be a defence for the accused to prove that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid or prevent damage to the monument.

(8)In any proceedings for an offence under this section in relation to works within subsection (2)(a) or (c) above it shall be a defence for the accused to prove that he did not know and had no reason to believe that the monument was within the area affected by the works or (as the case may be) that it was a scheduled monument.

(9)In any proceedings for an offence under this section it shall be a defence to prove that the works were urgently necessary in the interests of safety or health and that notice in writing of the need for the works was given to the Secretary of State as soon as reasonably practicable.

(10)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a)on summary conviction or, in Scotland, on conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or

(b)on conviction on indictment to a fine.

(11)Part I of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect with respect to applications for, and the effect of, scheduled monument consent.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 2 excluded (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(2)

3 Grant of scheduled monument consent by order of the Secretary of State.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may by order grant scheduled monument consent for the execution of works of any class or description specified in the order, and any such consent may apply to scheduled monuments of any class or description so specified.

[F10Before granting consent in relation to monuments of a class or description which includes monuments situated in England, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission in relation to the monuments so situated.]

(2)Any conditions attached by virtue of section 2 of this Act to a scheduled monument consent granted by an order under this section shall apply in such class or description of cases as may be specified in the order.

(3)The Secretary of State may direct that scheduled monument consent granted by an order under this section, shall not apply to any scheduled monument specified in the direction, and may withdraw any direction given under this subsection.

[F11Before making a direction in relation to a monument situated in England, or withdrawing such a direction, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission.]

(4)A direction under subsection (3) above shall not take effect until notice of it has been served on the occupier or (if there is no occupier) on the owner of the monument in question.

(5)References below in this Act to a scheduled monument consent do not include references to a scheduled monument consent granted by an order under this section, unless the contrary intention is expressed.

4 Duration, modification and revocation of scheduled monument consent.E+W+S

(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, if no works to which a scheduled monument consent relates are executed or started within the period of five years beginning with the date on which the consent was granted, or such longer or shorter period as may be specified for the purposes of this subsection in the consent, the consent shall cease to have effect at the end of that period (unless previously revoked in accordance with the following provisions of this section).

(2)Subsection (1) above does not apply to a scheduled monument consent which provides that it shall cease to have effect at the end of a period specified therein.

(3)If it appears to the Secretary of State to be expedient to do so, he may by a direction given under this section modify or revoke a scheduled monument consent to any extent he considers expedient.

[F12Where a direction would (if given) affect a monument situated in England, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before he gives such a direction.]

(4)Without prejudice to the generality of the power conferred by subsection (3) above to modify a scheduled monument consent, it extends to specifying a period, or altering any period specified, for the purposes of subsection (1) above, and to including a provision to the effect mentioned in subsection (2) above, or altering any period specified for the purposes of any such provision.

(5)Part II of Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect with respect to directions under this section modifying or revoking a scheduled monument consent.

5 Execution of works for preservation of a scheduled monument by Secretary of State in cases of urgency.E+W+S

(1)If it appears to the Secretary of State that any works are urgently necessary for the preservation of a scheduled monument he may enter the site of the monument and execute those works, after giving the owner and (if the owner is not the occupier) the occupier of the monument not less than seven days’ notice in writing of his intention to do so.

(2)Where the Secretary of State executes works under this section for repairing any damage to a scheduled monument—

(a)any compensation order previously made in respect of that damage under [F13section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] (compensation orders against convicted persons) in favour of any other person shall be enforceable (so far as not already complied with) as if it had been made in favour of the Secretary of State; and

(b)any such order subsequently made in respect of that damage shall be made in favour of the Secretary of State.

[F14(3)If it appears to the Secretary of State that any works are urgently necessary for the preservation of a scheduled monument situated in England, he may (instead of acting as mentioned in subsection (1) above) authorise the Commission to enter the site of the monument and execute the works as are specified in the authorisation.

(4)In that case, the Commission may enter the site and execute the works after giving the owner and (if the owner is not the occupier) the occupier of the monument not less than seven day’s notice in writing of their intention to do so.

(5)Where the Secretary of State gives an authorisation under subsection (3) above, subsection (2) above shall have effect with the substitution of “Commission” for “Secretary of State” (in each place) and of “execute” for “executes”.]

6 Powers of entry for inspection of scheduled monuments, etc.E+W+S

(1)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable time enter any land for the purpose of inspecting any scheduled monument in, on or under the land with a view to ascertaining its condition and—

(a)whether any works affecting the monument are being carried out in contravention of section 2(1) of this Act; or

(b)whether it has been or is likely to be damaged (by any such works or otherwise).

(2)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable time enter any land for the purpose of inspecting any scheduled monument in, on or under the land in connection with—

(a)any application for scheduled monument consent for works affecting that monument; or

(b)any proposal by the Secretary of State to modify or revoke a scheduled monument consent for any such works.

(3)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable time enter any land for the purpose of—

(a)observing the execution on the land of any works to which a scheduled monument consent relates; and

(b)inspecting the condition of the land and the scheduled monument in question after the completion of any such works;

so as to ensure that the works in question are or have been executed in accordance with the terms of the consent and of any conditions attached to the consent.

(4)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable time enter any land on which any works to which a scheduled monument consent relates are being carried out for the purpose of—

(a)inspecting the land (including any buildings or other structures on the land) with a view to recording any matters of archaeological or historical interest; and

(b)observing the execution of those works with a view to examining and recording any objects or other material of archaeological or historical interest, and recording any matters of archaeological or historical interest, discovered during the course of those works.

(5)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may enter any land in, on or under which a scheduled monument is situated, with the consent of the owner and (if the owner is not the occupier) of the occupier of the land, for the purpose of erecting and maintaining on or near the site of the monument such notice boards and marker posts as appear to the Secretary of State to be desirable with a view to preserving the monument from accidental or deliberate damage.

[F15This subsection does not apply to land in England.]

(6)References in this section to scheduled monument consent include references to consent granted by order under section 3 of this Act.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3S. 6(1) restricted (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(3)

[F166A Commission’s powers of entry in relation to scheduled monuments.E+W+S

(1)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Commission may at any reasonable time enter any land in England for the purpose of inspecting any scheduled monument in, on or under the land with a view to ascertaining whether any works affecting the monument have been or are being carried out in contravention of section 2(1) of this Act and so to enabling the Commission to decide whether to institute proceedings in England for an offence under section 2(1).

(2)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Commission may at any reasonable time enter any land in England for the purpose of—

(a)observing the execution on the land of any works to which a scheduled monument consent relates; and

(b)inspecting the condition of the land and the scheduled monument in question after the completion of any such works,

with a view to ascertaining whether the works in question are or have been executed in accordance with the terms of the consent and of any conditions attached to the consent, and so to enabling the Commission to decide whether to institute proceedings in England for an offence under section 2(1) or (6) of this Act.

(3)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Commission may at any reasonable time enter any land in England for the purpose of inspecting any scheduled monument in, on or under the land in connection with any consultation made in respect of the monument under section 4(3) of this Act or paragraph 3(3)(c) of Schedule 1 to this Act.

(4)Any person duly authorised in writing by the Commission may enter any land which is in England and in, on or under which a scheduled monument is situated, with the consent of the owner and (if the owner is not the occupier) of the occupier of the land, for the purpose of erecting and maintaining on or near the site of the monument such notice boards and marker posts as appear to the Commission to be desirable with a view to preserving the monument from accidental or deliberate damage.

(5)References in this section to scheduled monument consent include references to consent granted by order under section 3 of this Act.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 6A(1) restricted (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(3)

7 Compensation for refusal of scheduled monument consent.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, where a person who has an interest in the whole or any part of a monument incurs expenditure or otherwise sustains any loss or damage in consequence of the refusal, or the granting subject to conditions, of a scheduled monument consent in relation to any works of a description mentioned in subsection (2) below, the Secretary of State [F17or (where the monument in question is situated in England) the Commission] shall pay to that person compensation in respect of that expenditure, loss or damage.

References in this section and in section 8 of this Act to compensation being paid in respect of any works are references to compensation being paid in respect of any expenditure incurred or other loss or damage sustained in consequence of the refusal, or the granting subject to conditions, of a scheduled monument consent in relation to those works.

(2)The following are works in respect of which compensation is payable under this section—

(a)works which are reasonably necessary for carrying out any development for which planning permission had been granted (otherwise than by a general development order) before the time when the monument in question became a scheduled monument and was still effective at the date of the application for scheduled monument consent;

(b)works which do not constitute development, or constitute development such that planning permission is granted therefor by a general development order; and

(c)works which are reasonably necessary for the continuation of any use of the monument for any purpose for which it was in use immediately before the date of the application for scheduled monument consent.

For the purposes of paragraph (c) above, any use in contravention of any legal restrictions for the time being applying to the use of the monument shall be disregarded.

(3)The compensation payable under this section in respect of any works within subsection (2)(a) above shall be limited to compensation in respect of any expenditure incurred or other loss or damage sustained by virtue of the fact that, in consequence of the Secretary of State’s decision, any development for which the planning permission in question was granted could not be carried out without contravening section 2(1) of this Act.

(4)A person shall not be entitled to compensation under this section by virtue of subsection (2)(b) above if the works in question or any of them would or might result in the total or partial demolition or destruction of the monument, unless those works consist solely of operations involved in or incidental to the use of the site of the monument for the purposes of agriculture or forestry (including afforestation).

(5)In a case where scheduled monument consent is granted subject to conditions, a person shall not be entitled to compensation under this section by virtue of subsection (2)(c) above unless compliance with those conditions would in effect make it impossible to use the monument for the purpose there mentioned.

(6)In calculating, for the purposes of this section, the amount of any loss or damage consisting of depreciation of the value of an interest in land—

(a)it shall be assumed that any subsequent application for scheduled monument consent in relation to works of a like description would be determined in the same way; but

(b)if, in the case of a refusal of scheduled monument consent, the Secretary of State, on refusing that consent, undertook to grant such consent for some other works affecting the monument in the event of an application being made in that behalf, regard shall be had to that undertaking.

(7)References in this section to a general development order are references to a development order made as a general order applicable (subject to such exceptions as may be specified therein) to all land.

8 Recovery of compensation under section 7 on subsequent grant of consent.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, this section applies—

(a)in a case where compensation under section 7 of this Act was paid in consequence of the refusal of a scheduled monument consent, if the Secretary of State subsequently grants scheduled monument consent for the execution of all or any of the works in respect of which the compensation was paid; and

(b)in a case where compensation under that section was paid in consequence of the granting of a scheduled monument consent subject to conditions, if the Secretary of State subsequently so modifies that consent that those conditions, or any of them, cease to apply to the execution of all or any of the works in respect of which the compensation was paid or grants a new consent in respect of all or any of those works free from those conditions, or any of them.

(2)This section does not apply in any case unless—

(a)the compensation paid exceeded £20; and

[F18(b)the requirement mentioned in subsection (2A) below is fulfilled]

[F19(2A)The requirement is that—

(a)where the monument in question is situated in England, the Commission have caused notice of the payment of compensation to be deposited with the council of each district or London borough in which the monument is situated or (where it is situated in the City of London, the Inner Temple or the Middle Temple) with the Common Council of the City of London;

(b)where the monument in question is situated in Scotland, the Secretary of State has caused such notice to be deposited with the local authority of each area in which the monument is situated;

(c)where the monument in question is situated in Wales, the Secretary of State has caused such notice to be deposited with the council of each [F20county or county borough] in which the monument is situated.]

(3)In granting or modifying a scheduled monument consent in a case to which this section applies the Secretary of State may do so on terms that no works in respect of which the compensation was paid are to be executed in pursuance of the consent until the recoverable amount has been repaid to the Secretary of State or secured to his satisfaction [F21or (as the case may be) has been repaid to the Commission or secured to their satisfaction].

Subject to subsection (4) below, in this subsection “the recoverable amount” means such amount (being an amount representing the whole of the compensation previously paid or such part thereof as the Secretary of State thinks fit) as the Secretary of State may specify in giving notice of his decision on the application for scheduled monument consent or (as the case may be) in the direction modifying the consent.

(4)Where a person who has an interest in the whole or any part of a monument is aggrieved by the amount specified by the Secretary of State as the recoverable amount for the purposes of subsection (3) above, he may require the determination of that amount to be referred to the Lands Tribunal or (in the case of a monument situated in Scotland) to the Lands Tribunal for Scotland; and in any such case the recoverable amount for the purposes of that subsection shall be such amount (being an amount representing the whole or any part of the compensation previously paid) as that Tribunal may determine to be just in the circumstances of the case.

(5)A notice deposited under subsection (2)(b) above shall specify the decision which gave rise to the right to compensation, the monument affected by the decision, and the amount of the compensation.

(6)A notice so deposited in the case of a monument situated in England and Wales shall be a local land charge; and for the purposes of the M3Local Land Charges Act 1975 the council with whom any such notice is deposited shall be treated as the originating authority as respects the charge thereby constituted.

(7)A notice so deposited in the case of any monument situated in Scotland which is heritable may be recorded in the Register of Sasines.

9 Compensation where works affecting a scheduled monument cease to be authorised.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, where any works affecting a scheduled monument which were previously authorised under this Part of this Act cease to be so, then, if any person who has an interest in the whole or any part of the monument—

(a)has incurred expenditure in carrying out works which are rendered abortive by the fact that any further works have ceased to be so authorised; or

(b)has otherwise sustained loss or damage which is directly attributable to that fact;

the Secretary of State [F22or (where the monument in question is situated in England) the Commission] shall pay to that person compensation in respect of that expenditure, loss or damage.

(2)Subsection (1) above only applies where the works cease to be authorised under this Part of this Act—

(a)by virtue of the fact that a scheduled monument consent granted by order under section 3 of this Act ceases to apply to any scheduled monument (whether by virtue of variation or revocation of the order or by virtue of a direction under subsection (3) of that section); or

(b)by virtue of the modification or revocation of a scheduled monument consent by a direction given under section 4 of this Act; or

(c)in accordance with paragraph 8 of Schedule 1 to this Act, by virtue of the service of a notice of proposed modification or revocation of a scheduled monument consent under paragraph 5 of that Schedule.

(3)A person shall not be entitled to compensation under this section in a case falling within subsection (2)(a) above unless, on an application for scheduled monument consent for the works in question, consent is refused, or is granted subject to conditions other than those which previously applied under the order.

(4)For the purposes of this section, any expenditure incurred in the preparation of plans for the purposes of any works, or upon other similar matters preparatory thereto, shall be taken to be included in the expenditure incurred in carrying out those works.

(5)Subject to subsection (4) above, no compensation shall be paid under this section in respect of any works carried out before the grant of the scheduled monument consent in question, or in respect of any other loss or damage (not being loss or damage consisting of depreciation of the value of an interest in land) arising out of anything done or omitted to be done before the grant of that consent.

Acquisition of ancient monumentsE+W+S

10 Compulsory acquisition of ancient monuments.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may acquire compulsorily any ancient monument for the purpose of securing its preservation [F23; but, where the monument in question is situated in England, he shall consult with the Commission before making a compulsory purchase order.]

(2)The M4[F24Acquisition of Land Act 1981] shall apply to any compulsory acquisition by the Secretary of State under this section of an ancient monument situated in England and Wales . . . F25

(3)The M5Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947 shall apply to any compulsory acquisition by the Secretary of State under this section of an ancient monument situated in Scotland as it applies to a compulsory acquisition by another Minister or by the Secretary of State under section 58 of the M6National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1972 in a case falling within section 1(1) of the said Act of 1947.

(4)For the purpose of assessing compensation in respect of any compulsory acquisition under this section of a monument which, immediately before the date of the compulsory purchase order, was scheduled, it shall be assumed that scheduled monument consent would not be granted for any works which would or might result in the demolition, destruction or removal of the monument or any part of it.

11 Acquisition by agreement or gift of ancient monuments.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may acquire by agreement any ancient monument [F26but, where the monument in question is situated in England, he shall consult with the Commission before doing so.]

[F27(1A)With the consent of the Secretary of State, the Commission may acquire by agreement any ancient monument situated in England.]

(2)Any local authority may acquire by agreement any ancient monument situated in or in the vicinity of their area.

(3)The Secretary of State or any local authority may accept a gift (whether by deed or will) of any ancient monument [F28; but, where the monument in question is situated in England, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before accepting]

[F29(3A)With the consent of the Secretary of State, the Commission may accept a gift (whether by deed or will) of any ancient monument situated in England.]

(4)The provisions of Part I of the M7Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (so far as applicable) other than sections 4 to 8, section 10 and section 31, shall apply in relation to any acquisition under subsection (1) or (2) above of an ancient monument situated in England and Wales.

(5)For the purpose of any acquisition under subsection (1) or (2) above of any ancient monument situated in Scotland which is heritable—

(a)the Lands Clauses Acts (with the exception of the provisions excluded by subsection (6) below) and sections 6 and 70 to 78 of the M8Railways Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845 (as originally enacted and not as amended by section 15 of the M9Mines (Working Facilities and Support) Act 1923) shall be incorporated with this section; and

(b) in construing those Acts for the purposes of this section, this section shall be deemed to be the special Act and the Secretary of State or the local authority acquiring the monument shall be deemed to be the promoter of the undertaking or company (as the case may require).

(6)The provisions of the Lands Clauses Acts excluded from being incorporated with this section are—

(a)those which relate to the acquisition of land otherwise than by agreement;

(b)those which relate to access to the special Act; and

(c)sections 120 to 125 of the M10Lands Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 11 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxv) (with art. 35)

C6S. 11 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxv) (with art. 35)

Marginal Citations

Guardianship of ancient monumentsE+W+S

12 Power to place ancient monument under guardianship.E+W

(1)Subject to subsection (4) below, a person who has—

(a)an interest of any description mentioned in subsection (3) below in an ancient monument situated in England and Wales; or

(b)any heritable interest in an ancient monument situated in Scotland;

may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, constitute him by deed guardian of the monument.

[F30Where the monument in question is situated in England, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before he so consents.]

[F31(1A)Subject to subsection (4) below, a person who has an interest of any description mentioned in subsection (3) below in an ancient monument situated in England may, with the consent of the Commission, given after obtaining the consent of the Secretary of State, constitute the Commission by deed guardian of the Monument.]

(2)Subject to subsection (4) below, a person who has any such interest in an ancient monument may with the consent of any local authority in or in the vicinity of whose area the monument is situated constitute that authority by deed guardians of the monument.

(3)The interests in an ancient monument situated in England and Wales which qualify a person to establish guardianship of the monument under subsection (1) [F32or (1A)] or (2) above are the following—

(a)an estate in fee simple absolute in possession;

(b)a leasehold estate or interest in possession, being an estate or interest for a term of years of which not less than forty-five are unexpired or (as the case may be) renewable for a term of not less than forty-five years; and

(c)an interest in possession for his own life or the life of another, or for lives (whether or not including his own), under any existing or future [F33trust of land] under which the estate or interest for the time being subject to the trust falls within paragraph (a) or (b) above.

(4)A person who is not the occupier of an ancient monument may not establish guardianship of the monument under this section unless the occupier is also a party to the deed executed for the purposes of subsection (1) [F32(1A)] or (2) above.

(5)Any person who has an interest in an ancient monument may be a party to any such deed in addition to the person establishing the guardianship of the monument and (where the latter is not the occupier) the occupier.

(6)In relation to any monument of which the Secretary of State [F34or the Commission] or any local authority have been constituted the guardians under this Act, references below in this Act to the guardianship deed are references to the deed executed for the purposes of subsection (1) or [F35(1A) or (2) above (as the case may be)]

(7)A guardianship deed relating to any ancient monument situated in England and Wales shall be a local land charge.

(8)A guardianship deed relating to any ancient monument situated in Scotland may be recorded in the Register of Sasines.

(9)Every person deriving title to any ancient monument from, through or under any person who has executed a guardianship deed shall be bound by the guardianship deed unless—

(a)in the case of a monument in England and Wales, he derives title by virtue of any disposition made by the person who executed the deed before the date of the deed; or

(b)in the case of a monument in Scotland, he is a person who in good faith and for value acquired right (whether completed by infeftment or not) to his interest in the monument before the date of the deed.

(10)The Secretary of State [F36or the Commission] or a local authority shall not consent to become guardians of any structure which is occupied as a dwelling house by any person other than a person employed as the caretaker thereof or his family.

(11)Except as provided by this Act, any person who has any estate or interest in a monument under guardianship shall have the same right and title to, and estate or interest in, the monument in all respects as if the Secretary of State or [F37the Commission or the local authority in question (as the case may be)] had not become guardians of the monument.

Extent Information

E1This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F33Words in s. 12(3) substituted (E.W.) (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(1), Sch. 3 para. 17(a) (with s. 24(2), 25(4)); S.I. 1996/2974, art.2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

C8Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

12 Power to place ancient monument under guardianship.S

(1)Subject to subsection (4) below, a person who has—

(a)an interest of any description mentioned in subsection (3) below in an ancient monument situated in England and Wales; or

(b)any heritable interest in an ancient monument situated in Scotland;

may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, constitute him by deed guardian of the monument.

[F169Where the monument in question is situated in England, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before he so consents.]

[F170(1A)Subject to subsection (4) below, a person who has an interest of any description mentioned in subsection (3) below in an ancient monument situated in England may, with the consent of the Commission, given after obtaining the consent of the Secretary of State, constitute the Commission by deed guardian of the Monument.]

(2)Subject to subsection (4) below, a person who has any such interest in an ancient monument may with the consent of any local authority in or in the vicinity of whose area the monument is situated constitute that authority by deed guardians of the monument.

(3)The interests in an ancient monument situated in England and Wales which qualify a person to establish guardianship of the monument under subsection (1) [F171or (1A)] or (2) above are the following—

(a)an estate in fee simple absolute in possession;

(b)a leasehold estate or interest in possession, being an estate or interest for a term of years of which not less than forty-five are unexpired or (as the case may be) renewable for a term of not less than forty-five years; and

(c)an interest in possession for his own life or the life of another, or for lives (whether or not including his own), under any existing or future trust for sale under which the estate or interest for the time being subject to the trust falls within paragraph (a) or (b) above.

(4)A person who is not the occupier of an ancient monument may not establish guardianship of the monument under this section unless the occupier is also a party to the deed executed for the purposes of subsection (1) [F171(1A)] or (2) above.

(5)Any person who has an interest in an ancient monument may be a party to any such deed in addition to the person establishing the guardianship of the monument and (where the latter is not the occupier) the occupier.

(6)In relation to any monument of which the Secretary of State [F172or the Commission] or any local authority have been constituted the guardians under this Act, references below in this Act to the guardianship deed are references to the deed executed for the purposes of subsection (1) or [F173(1A) or (2) above (as the case may be)]

(7)A guardianship deed relating to any ancient monument situated in England and Wales shall be a local land charge.

(8)A guardianship deed relating to any ancient monument situated in Scotland may be recorded in the Register of Sasines.

(9)Every person deriving title to any ancient monument from, through or under any person who has executed a guardianship deed shall be bound by the guardianship deed unless—

(a)in the case of a monument in England and Wales, he derives title by virtue of any disposition made by the person who executed the deed before the date of the deed; or

(b)in the case of a monument in Scotland, he is a person who in good faith and for value acquired right (whether [F174title has been completed] or not) to his interest in the monument before the date of the deed.

(10)The Secretary of State [F175or the Commission] or a local authority shall not consent to become guardians of any structure which is occupied as a dwelling house by any person other than a person employed as the caretaker thereof or his family.

(11)Except as provided by this Act, any person who has any estate or interest in a monument under guardianship shall have the same right and title to, and estate or interest in, the monument in all respects as if the Secretary of State or [F176the Commission or the local authority in question (as the case may be)] had not become guardians of the monument.

Extent Information

E5This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

C8Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

13 Effect of guardianship.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State [F38and the Commission] and any local authority shall be under a duty to maintain any monument which is under their guardianship by virtue of this Act.

(2)The Secretary of State [F38and the Commission] and any local authority shall have full control and management of any monument which is under their guardianship by virtue of this Act.

(3)With a view to fulfilling their duty under subsection (1) above to maintain a monument of which they are the guardians, the Secretary of State [F39or the Commission] or any local authority shall have power to do all such things as may be necessary for the maintenance of the monument and for the exercise by them of proper control and management with respect to the monument.

(4)Without prejudice to the generality of the preceding provisions of this section, the Secretary of State [F39or the Commission] or any local authority shall have power—

(a)to make any examination of a monument which is under their guardianship by virtue of this Act;

(b)to open up any such monument or make excavations therein for the purpose of examination or otherwise; and

(c)to remove the whole or any part of any such monument to another place for the purpose of preserving it.

(5)The Secretary of State [F39or the Commission] or any local authority may at any reasonable time enter the site of a monument which is under their guardianship by virtue of this Act for the purpose of exercising any of their powers under this section in relation to the monument (and may authorise any other person to exercise any of those powers on their behalf).

(6)Subsections (2) to (4) above are subject to any provision to the contrary in the guardianship deed.

(7)In this Part of this Act “maintenance” includes fencing, repairing, and covering in, of a monument and the doing of any other act or thing which may be required for the purpose of repairing the monument or protecting it from decay or injury, and “maintain” shall be construed accordingly.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

C8Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

14 Termination of guardianship.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, where the Secretary of State [F40or the Commission] or a local authority have become guardians of any monument under this Act, they may by agreement made with the persons who are for the time being immediately affected by the operation of the guardianship deed—

(a)exclude any part of the monument from guardianship; or

(b)renounce guardianship of the monument;

but except as provided above the monument shall remain under guardianship (unless it is acquired by its guardians) until an occupier of the monument who is entitled to terminate the guardianship gives notice in writing to that effect to the guardians of the monument.

An occupier of a monument is entitled to terminate the guardianship of the monument if—

(a)he has any interest in the monument which would qualify him to establish guardianship of the monument under section 12 of this Act; and

(b)he is not bound by the guardianship deed.

(2)A local authority shall consult with the Secretary of State before entering into any agreement under this section.

  • [F41Where the monument in question is situated in England, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before entering into any such agreement.

  • The Commission shall consult with the Secretary of State before entering into any such agreement.]

(3)Neither the Secretary of State [F42nor the Commission] nor a local authority may enter into any such agreement unless he or they are satisfied with respect to the part of the monument or (as the case may be) with respect to the whole of the monument in question—

(a)that satisfactory arrangements have been made for ensuring its preservation after termination of the guardianship; or

(b)that it is no longer practicable to preserve it (whether because of the cost of preserving it or otherwise).

(4)An agreement under this section must be made under seal in the case of a monument situated in England and Wales.

(5)Where in the case of a monument situated in Scotland the guardianship deed has been recorded in the Register of Sasines in accordance with section 12 of this Act an agreement under this section relating to that monument may also be so recorded.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

C8Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

Acquisition and guardianship of land in the vicinity of an ancient monument, etc.E+W+S

15 Acquisition and guardianship of land in the vicinity of an ancient monument.E+W+S

(1)References in sections 10 to 12 of this Act to an ancient monument shall include references to any land adjoining or in the vicinity of an ancient monument which appears to the Secretary of State [F43or the Commission] or a local authority to be reasonably required for any of the following purposes, that is to say—

(a)the maintenance of the monument or its amenities;

(b)providing or facilitating access to the monument;

(c)the exercise of proper control or management with respect to the monument;

(d)the storage of equipment or materials for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (a) above; and

(e)the provision of facilities and services for the public for or in connection with affording public access to the monument;

(and one of those purposes shall accordingly be sufficient to support the compulsory acquisition of any such land under section 10(1) of this Act, instead of the purpose there mentioned).

[F44Land may be acquired, or taken into guardianship, by the Commission by virtue of this section only if the land is situated in England.]

(2)Land may be acquired or taken into guardianship by virtue of this section for any of the purposes relating to an ancient monument mentioned in subsection (1) above either at the same time as the monument or subsequently.

(3)The Secretary of State [F45and the Commission] and any local authority shall have full control and management of any land which is under their guardianship by virtue of this Act after being taken into guardianship by virtue of this section for a purpose relating to any ancient monument, and shall have power to do all such things as may be necessary—

(a)for the exercise by them of proper control and management with respect to the land; and

(b)for the use of the land for any of the purposes relating to the monument mentioned in subsection (1) above.

(4)The Secretary of State [F45and the Commission] and any local authority may at any reasonable time enter any land which is under their guardianship by virtue of this Act for the purpose of exercising their power under subsection (3) above (and may authorise any other person to do so, and to exercise that power, on their behalf).

(5)Section 14(1) and (2) of this Act shall apply in relation to any land taken into guardianship by virtue of this section for any purpose relating to an ancient monument as they apply in relation to a monument, but, apart from any termination of guardianship by virtue of that section, any such land shall also cease to be under guardianship if the monument in question ceases to be under guardianship otherwise than by virtue of being acquired by its guardians or ceases to exist.

(6)References below in this Act, in relation to any monument of which the Secretary of State [F46or the Commission] or a local authority are the owners or guardians by virtue of this Act, to land associated with that monument (or to associated land) are references to any land acquired or taken into guardianship by virtue of this section for a purpose relating to that monument, or appropriated for any such purpose under a power conferred by any other enactment.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

C8Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

16 Acquisition of easements and other similar rights over land in the vicinity of an ancient monument.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may acquire, by agreement or compulsorily, over land adjoining or in the vicinity of any monument which is under his ownership by virtue of this Act, any easement which appears to him to be necessary—

(a)for any of the purposes relating to that monument mentioned in section 15(1) of this Act; or

(b)for the use of any land associated with that monument for any of those purposes.

[F47Where the land in question is situated in England, the Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before entering into the agreement or making the compulsory purchase order (as the case may be).]

[F48(1A)The Commission may by agreement acquire over land adjoining or in the vicinity of any monument which is under their ownership by virtue of this Act, any such easement as the Secretary of State may acquire by virtue of subsection (1) above.]

(2)A local authority may by agreement acquire over land adjoining or in the vicinity of any monument which is under their ownership by virtue of this Act any such easement as the Secretary of State may acquire by virtue of subsection (1) above.

(3)The power of acquiring an easement under subsection (1) [F49or (1A)] or (2) above shall include power to acquire any such easement by the grant of a new right.

(4)The Secretary of State [F50or the Commission] or any local authority may acquire, for the benefit of any monument or land under his or their guardianship by virtue of this Act, a right of any description which he or they would be authorised to acquire under any of the preceding provisions of this section if the monument or land was under his or their ownership by virtue of this Act, and those provisions shall apply accordingly in any such case.

(5)Any right to which subsection (4) above applies—

(a)shall be treated for the purposes of its acquisition under this section and in all other respects as if it were a legal easement; and

(b)may be enforced by the guardians for the time being of the monument or land for whose benefit it was acquired as if they were the absolute owner in possession of that monument or land.

(6)Any right to which subsection (4) above applies which is acquired by agreement under this section for a purpose relating to any monument under guardianship, or for the use of any land associated with any such monument for any purpose relating to that monument—

(a)subject to any provision to the contrary in the agreement under which it was acquired, may be revoked by the grantor; and

(b)may be revoked by any successor in title of the grantor as respects any of the land over which it is exercisable in which he has an interest;

if the monument ceases to be under guardianship otherwise than by virtue of being acquired by its guardians or ceases to exist.

(7)References above in this section to an easement or (as the case may be) to a legal easement shall be construed in relation to land in Scotland as references to a servitude.

(8)Any right to which subsection (4) above applies—

(a)shall be a local land charge, if it relates to land in England and Wales; and

(b)may be recorded in the Register of Sasines, if it relates to land in Scotland.

(9)The M11[F51Acquisition of Land Act 1981] shall apply to any compulsory acquisition by the Secretary of State under this section of any easement over land in England and Wales . . . F52

(10)The M12Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947 shall apply to any compulsory acquisition by the Secretary of State under this section of any servitude over land in Scotland as it applies to a compulsory acquisition by another Minister or by the Secretary of State under section 58 of the M13National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1972 in a case falling within section 1(1) of the said Act of 1947.

(11)The provisions of Part I of the M14Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (so far as applicable) other than sections 4 to 8, section 10 and section 31, shall apply in relation to any acquisition by agreement under this section of any easement over land in England and Wales.

(12)For the purposes of any acquisition by agreement under this section of any servitude over land in Scotland—

(a)the Lands Clauses Acts (with the exception of the provisions excluded by subsection (13) below) and sections 6 and 70 to 78 of the M15Railways Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845 (as originally enacted and not as amended by section 15 of the M16Mines (Working Facilities and Support) Act 1923) shall be incorporated with this section; and

(b)in construing those Acts for the purposes of this section, this section shall be deemed to be the special Act and the Secretary of State or the local authority acquiring the servitude shall be deemed to be the promoter of the undertaking or company (as the case may require).

(13)The provisions of the Lands Clauses Acts excluded from being incorporated with this section are—

(a)those which relate to the acquisition of land otherwise than by agreement;

(b)those which relate to access to the special Act; and

(c)sections 120 to 125 of the M17Lands Clauses Consolidation (Scotland) Act 1845.

Agreements concerning ancient monuments, etc.E+W+S

17 Agreements concerning ancient monuments and land in their vicinity.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may enter into an agreement under this section with the occupier of an ancient monument or of any land adjoining or in the vicinity of an ancient monument.

[F53(1A)The Commission may enter into an agreement under this section with the occupier of an ancient monument situated in England or of any land so situated which adjoins or is in the vicinity of an ancient monument so situated.]

(2)A local authority may enter into an agreement under this section with the occupier of any ancient monument situated in or in the vicinity of their area or with the occupier of any land adjoining or in the vicinity of any such ancient monument.

(3)Any person who has an interest in an ancient monument or in any land adjoining or in the vicinity of an ancient monument may be a party to an agreement under this section in addition to the occupier.

(4)An agreement under this section may make provision for all or any of the following matters with respect to the monument or land in question, that is to say—

(a)the maintenance and preservation of the monument and its amenities;

(b)the carrying out of any such work, or the doing of any such other thing, in relation to the monument or land as may be specified in the agreement;

(c)public access to the monument or land and the provision of facilities and information or other services for the use of the public in that connection;

(d)restricting the use of the monument or land;

(e)prohibiting in relation to the monument or land the doing of any such thing as may be specified in the agreement; and

(f)the making by the Secretary of State or [F54the Commission or the local authority (as the case may be)] of payments in such manner, of such amounts and on such terms as may be so specified (and whether for or towards the cost of any work provided for under the agreement or in consideration of any restriction, prohibition or obligation accepted by any other party thereto);

and may contain such incidental and consequential provisions as appear to the Secretary of State or [F54the Commission or the local authority (as the case may be)] to be necessary or expedient.

(5)Where an agreement under this section expressly provides that the agreement as a whole or any restriction, prohibition or obligation arising thereunder is to be binding on the successors of any party to the agreement (but not otherwise), then, as respects any monument or land in England and Wales, every person deriving title to the monument or land in question from, through or under that party shall be bound by the agreement, or (as the case may be) by that restriction, prohibition or obligation, unless he derives title by virtue of any disposition made by that party before the date of the agreement.

(6)An agreement under this section relating to any monument or land in Scotland and containing any such provision as is mentioned in subsection (5) above may be recorded in the Register of Sasines, and that subsection shall apply to any such agreement which is so recorded or (as the case may be) to any restriction, prohibition or obligation to which that provision relates.

(7)[F55Neither—

(a)section 84 of the M18Law of Property Act 1925 (power of Lands Tribunal to discharge or modify restrictive covenants); nor

(b)sections 1 and 2 of the M19Conveyancing and Feudal Reform (Scotland) Act 1970 (power of Lands Tribunal for Scotland to vary or discharge land obligations);

shall apply to an agreement under this section.]

[F55Section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925 (c. 20) (power of Lands Tribunal to discharge or modify restrictive covenant) shall not apply to an agreement under this section.]

(8)Nothing in any agreement under this section to which the Secretary of State is a party shall be construed as operating as a scheduled monument consent.

[F56(9) References to an ancient monument in subsection (1A) above, and in subsection (3) above so far as it applies for the purposes of subsection (1A), shall be construed as if the reference in section 61(12)( b ) of this Act to the Secretary of State were to the Commission. ]

[F57(10)References in this section to an ancient monument situated in England include any such monument situated in, on or under the seabed within the seaward limits of the United Kingdom territorial waters adjacent to England; and an order under section 33(10) of the National Heritage Act 1983 (orders determining limits of waters adjacent to England) applies for the purposes of this subsection as it applies for the purposes of section 33(9) of that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F55S. 17(7) substituted (S.) (28.11.2004) by Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 9), ss. 122(1), 129(2), Sch. 14 para. 8 (with ss. 119, 121) (see S.S.I. 2003/456, art. 2)

F57S. 17(10) inserted (1.7.2002) by National Heritage Act 2002 (c. 14), ss. {2(2)}, 8(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

C8Ss. 12-17 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxvi) (with art. 35)

Marginal Citations

Powers of limited ownersE+W+S

18 Powers of limited owners for purposes of sections 12, 16 and 17.E+W

(1)Subject to section 12 of this Act, a person may establish guardianship of any land under subsection (1) [F58or (1A)] or (2) of that section or join in executing a guardianship deed for the purposes of that section notwithstanding that he is a limited owner of the land.

(2)A person may—

(a)grant any easement, servitude or other right over land which the Secretary of State [F59or the Commission] or any local authority are authorised to acquire under section 16 of this Act; or

(b)enter into an agreement under section 17 of this Act with respect to any land;

notwithstanding that he is a limited owner of the land.

(3)For the purposes of this section—

(a)a body corporate or corporation sole is a limited owner of any land in which it has an interest; and

(b)any other persons are limited owners of land in which they have an interest only if they hold that interest in one or other of the capacities mentioned in subsection (4) below.

(4)The capacities referred to in subsection (3)(b) above are the following—

(a)as tenant for life or statutory owner within the meaning of the M20Settled Land Act 1925;

F60[(b)as trustees of land;]

(c)as liferenter or heir of entail in possession (in Scotland); and

(d)as trustees for charities or as commissioners or trustees for ecclesiastical, collegiate or other public purposes.

(5)The M21Trusts (Scotland) Act 1921 shall have effect as if among the powers conferred on trustees by section 4 of that Act (general powers of trustees) there were included a power to do any of the following acts in relation to the trust estate or any part of it, that is to say—

(a)to execute a guardianship deed;

(b)to grant any servitude or other right which the Secretary of State or any local authority are authorised to acquire under section 16 of this Act; and

(c)to enter into an agreement under section 17 of this Act.

(6)Subject to subsection (7) below, where a person who is a limited owner of any land by virtue of holding an interest in the land in any of the capacities mentioned in subsection (4) above executes a guardianship deed in relation to the land the guardianship deed shall bind every successive owner of any estate or interest in the land.

(7)Where the land to which a guardianship deed relates is at the date of the deed subject to any incumbrance not capable of being overreached by the limited owner in exercise of any powers of sale or management conferred on him by law or under any settlement or other instrument, the deed shall not bind the incumbrancer.

(8)Subject to subsection (9) below, where an agreement under section 17 of this Act to which a limited owner is a party expressly provides that the agreement as a whole or any restriction, prohibition or obligation arising thereunder is to be binding on his successors (but not otherwise), subsections (6) and (7) above shall apply to the agreement or (as the case may be) to the restriction, prohibition or obligation in question as they apply to a guardianship deed.

(9)Subsection (8) above does not apply to an agreement relating to any land in Scotland unless it is recorded in the Register of Sasines.

Extent Information

E2This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F60S. 18(4)(b) substituted (E.W.) (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(1), Sch. 3 para. 17(b) (with s. 24(2), 25(4)); S.I. 1996/2974, art.2

Marginal Citations

18 Powers of limited owners for purposes of sections 12, 16 and 17.S

(1)Subject to section 12 of this Act, a person may establish guardianship of any land under subsection (1) [F177or (1A)] or (2) of that section or join in executing a guardianship deed for the purposes of that section notwithstanding that he is a limited owner of the land.

(2)A person may—

(a)grant any easement, servitude or other right over land which the Secretary of State [F178or the Commission] or any local authority are authorised to acquire under section 16 of this Act; or

(b)enter into an agreement under section 17 of this Act with respect to any land;

notwithstanding that he is a limited owner of the land.

(3)For the purposes of this section—

(a)a body corporate or corporation sole is a limited owner of any land in which it has an interest; and

(b)any other persons are limited owners of land in which they have an interest only if they hold that interest in one or other of the capacities mentioned in subsection (4) below.

(4)The capacities referred to in subsection (3)(b) above are the following—

(a)as tenant for life or statutory owner within the meaning of the M34Settled Land Act 1925;

(b)as trustees for sale within the meaning of the M35Law of Property Act 1925;

(c)as liferenter F179... in possession (in Scotland); and

(d)as trustees for charities or as commissioners or trustees for ecclesiastical, collegiate or other public purposes.

(5)The M36Trusts (Scotland) Act 1921 shall have effect as if among the powers conferred on trustees by section 4 of that Act (general powers of trustees) there were included a power to do any of the following acts in relation to the trust estate or any part of it, that is to say—

(a)to execute a guardianship deed;

(b)to grant any servitude or other right which the Secretary of State or any local authority are authorised to acquire under section 16 of this Act; and

(c)to enter into an agreement under section 17 of this Act.

(6)Subject to subsection (7) below, where a person who is a limited owner of any land by virtue of holding an interest in the land in any of the capacities mentioned in subsection (4) above executes a guardianship deed in relation to the land the guardianship deed shall bind every successive owner of any estate or interest in the land.

(7)Where the land to which a guardianship deed relates is at the date of the deed subject to any incumbrance not capable of being overreached by the limited owner in exercise of any powers of sale or management conferred on him by law or under any settlement or other instrument, the deed shall not bind the incumbrancer.

(8)Subject to subsection (9) below, where an agreement under section 17 of this Act to which a limited owner is a party expressly provides that the agreement as a whole or any restriction, prohibition or obligation arising thereunder is to be binding on his successors (but not otherwise), subsections (6) and (7) above shall apply to the agreement or (as the case may be) to the restriction, prohibition or obligation in question as they apply to a guardianship deed.

(9)Subsection (8) above does not apply to an agreement relating to any land in Scotland unless it is recorded in the Register of Sasines.

Extent Information

E6This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

Public access to monuments under public controlE+W+S

19 Public access to monuments under public control.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, the public shall have access to any monument under the ownership or guardianship of the Secretary of State [F61or the Commission] or any local authority by virtue of this Act.

(2)The Secretary of State [F62and the Commission] and any local authority may nevertheless control the times of normal public access to any monument under their ownership or guardianship by virtue of this Act and may also, if they consider it necessary or expedient to do so in the interests of safety or for the maintenance or preservation of the monument, entirely exclude the public from access to any such monument or to any part of it, for such period as they think fit:

Provided that—

(a)the power of a local authority under this subsection to control the times of normal public access to any monument shall only be exercisable by regulations under this section; and

(b)the power of a local authority under this subsection entirely to exclude the public from access to any monument with a view to its preservation shall only be exercisable with the consent of the Secretary of State.

(3)The Secretary of State and any local authority may by regulations under [F63this subsection] regulate public access to any monument, or to all or any of the monuments, under their ownership or guardianship by virtue of this Act and any such regulations made by the Secretary of State may also apply to any monument, or to all or any of the monuments, under his control or management for any other reason.

[F64The Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before he makes any regulations under this subsection in relation only to monuments situated in England.]

(4)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3) above, regulations made by the Secretary of State or a local authority under [F65that subsection] may prescribe the times when the public are to have access to monuments to which the regulations apply and may make such provision as appears to the Secretary of State or to the local authority in question to be necessary for—

(a)the preservation of any such monument and its amenities or of any property of the Secretary of State or local authority; and

(b)prohibiting or regulating any act or thing which would tend to injure or disfigure any such monument or its amenities or to disturb the public in their enjoyment of it;

and may prescribe charges for the admission of the public to any such monument or to any class or description of monuments to which the regulations apply.

[F66(4A)The Secretary of State may by regulations under this section make such provision as appears to him necessary for prohibiting or regulating any act or thing which would tend to injure or disfigure any monument under the ownership or guardianship of the Commission by virtue of this Act or the monument’s amenities or to disturb the public in their enjoyment of it.

(4B)The Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before he makes any regulations under subsection (4A) above.]

(5)Without prejudice to subsections (3) and (4) above, the Secretary of State [F67and the Commission] and any local authority shall have power to make such charges as they may from time to time determine for the admission of the public to any monument under their ownership or guardianship by virtue of this Act or (in the case of the Secretary of State) to any monument otherwise under his control or management.

(6)Notwithstanding subsection (1) above, any person authorised in that behalf by the Secretary of State [F68or by the Commission] or by a local authority may refuse admission—

(a)to any monument under the ownership or guardianship of the Secretary of State or [F69the Commission or that local authority (as the case may be)] by virtue of this Act; or

(b)(in the case of the Secretary of State) to any monument otherwise under his control or management;

to any person he has reasonable cause to believe is likely to do anything which would tend to injure or disfigure the monument or its amenities or to disturb the public in their enjoyment of it.

(7)If any person contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of any regulations under this section, he shall be liable on summary conviction or, in Scotland, on conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding [F70level 2 on the standard scale].

(8)Regulations made by a local authority under this section shall not take effect unless they are submitted to and confirmed by the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of State may confirm any such regulations either with or without modifications.

(9)In relation to any monument under guardianship, subsection (1) above is subject to any provision to the contrary in the guardianship deed.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9S. 19 excluded (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(5)

C10S. 19 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxvii) (with art. 35)

C11S. 19 functions made exercisable concurrently (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxvii) (with art. 35)

C12S. 19(3)(4A) excluded (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(6)

C13S. 19(6) restricted (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(7)

20 Provision of facilities for the public in connection with ancient monuments.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State [F71and the Commission] and any local authority may provide such facilities and information or other services for the public for or in connection with affording public access—

(a)to any monument under their ownership or guardianship by virtue of this Act; or

(b)(in the case of the Secretary of State) to any monument otherwise under his control or management;

as appear to them to be necessary or desirable.

(2)Facilities and information or other services for the public may be provided under this section in or on the monument itself or on any land associated with the monument.

(3)The Secretary of State [F72and the Commission] and any local authority shall have power to make such charges as they may from time to time determine for the use of any facility or service provided by them for the public under this section.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14S. 20 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxvii) (with art. 35)

C15S. 20 functions made exercisable concurrently (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxvii) (with art. 35)

Transfer of ownership and guardianship of ancient monumentsE+W+S

21 Transfer of ancient monuments between local authorities and Secretary of State.E+W+S

(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, the Secretary of State [F73and the Commission] and any local authority may, in respect of any monument of which they are the owners or guardians by virtue of this Act or any land associated with any such monument, enter into and carry into effect any agreements for the transfer—

(a)from the Secretary of State to the local authority;

(b)from the local authority to the Secretary of State; or

(c)from the local authority to another local authority; [F74or

(d)from the Secretary of State to the Commission; or

(e)from the Commission to the Secretary of State; or

(f)from the Commission to the local authority; or

(g)from the local authority to the Commission;]

of that monument or land or (as the case may be) of the guardianship of that monument or land.

(2)Where the Secretary of State [F75or the Commission] or the local authority in question are guardians of a monument or associated land, they may not enter into an agreement under this section with respect to that monument or land without the consent of the persons who are for the time being immediately affected by the operation of the guardianship deed.

[F76(3)The Commission may not enter into an agreement under subsection (1) above in respect of a monument or land not situated in England.

(4)The Secretary of State may not enter into an agreement mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (b) above in respect of a monument or land situated in England without consulting the Commission.

(5)The Commission may not enter into an agreement mentioned in subsection (1)(f) above without consulting the Secretary of State.

(6)The Commission may not enter into an agreement mentioned in subsection (1)(g) above without the consent of the Secretary of State.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16S. 21 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1777), arts. 1, 25(2)(xxviii) (with art. 35)

C17S. 21 functions made exercisable concurrently (E.W.) (with effect in accordance with art. 25(1) of the amending S.I.) by The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Establishment of Conservation Board) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/1778), arts. 2, 25(1), 25(1), 25(2)(xxviii) (with art. 35)

Ancient Monuments BoardsE+W+S

22 Ancient Monuments Boards.E+W+S

(1)The advisory boards constituted under section 15 of the Ancient Monuments Consolidation and Amendment Act 1913 shall continue to exist under the names by which they were respectively known immediately before the commencement of this Act, that is to say—

(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F77

(b)[F78the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland; and]

(c)the Ancient Monuments Board for Wales.

(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F77

(3)[F79The Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland shall consist of members representing the following bodies, that is to say—

  • The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland

  • The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland

  • The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

and of such other members as the Secretary of State may appoint.]

(4)The Ancient Monuments Board for Wales shall consist of members representing the following bodies, that is to say—

  • The Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments (Wales)

  • The National Museum of Wales

  • The Cambrian Archaeological Association

  • The Royal Institute of British Architects

and of such other members as the Secretary of State may appoint.

(5)References in this Act and in any other enactment to the Ancient Monuments Board shall be construed—

(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F77

(b)[F80in relation to Scotland, as references to the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland; and]

(c)in relation to Wales, as references to the Ancient Monuments Board for Wales.

(6)It shall be the function of the Ancient Monuments Board to advise the Secretary of State with respect to the exercise of his functions under this Act, whether generally or in relation to any particular case or classes of case.

(7)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (6) above the Ancient Monuments Board may advise the Secretary of State with respect to any of the following, that is to say—

(a)the inclusion of any monument in the Schedule under section 1(3) of this Act;

(b)the exclusion of any monument from the Schedule;

(c)the amendment of the entry in the Schedule relating to any monument;

(d)the termination of guardianship by an agreement under section 14 of this Act; and

(e)the disposal (in accordance with section 30 of this Act) of any land acquired under section 10, 11 or 21 of this Act.

(8)The Secretary of State may by regulations under this section amend subsection (2), (3) or (4) above.

23 Annual reports of Ancient Monuments Boards.E+W+S

[F81. . . F82, the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland and] the Ancient Monuments Board for Wales shall [F83each], before such date in every year as the Secretary of State may fix, send to the Secretary of State a report on the discharge by [F84them] [F84it] of [F84their] [F84its] functions during the previous year, and the Secretary of State shall lay a copy of [F83each] such report before [F83each] House of Parliament.

Miscellaneous and supplementalE+W+S

24 Expenditure by Secretary of State or local authority on acquisition and preservation of ancient monuments, etc.E+W+S

(1)[F85Subject to subsection (3A) below] The Secretary of State may defray or contribute towards the cost of the acquisition by any person of any ancient monument.

(2)[F85Subject to subsection (3A) below] The Secretary of State may undertake, or assist in, or defray or contribute towards the cost of the removal of any ancient monument or of any part of any such monument to another place for the purpose of preserving it, and may at the request of the owner undertake, or assist in, or defray or contribute towards the cost of the preservation, maintenance and management of any ancient monument.

(3)[F85Subject to subsection (3A) below] The Secretary of State may contribute towards the cost of the provision of facilities or services for the public by a local authority under section 20 of this Act.

[F86(3A)As respects a monument situated in England, subsections (1) to (3) above shall apply as if “Commission” were substituted for “Secretary of State”.

[F87(3AA)The reference in subsection (3A) above to a monument situated in England includes any monument situated in, on or under the seabed within the seaward limits of the United Kingdom territorial waters adjacent to England; and an order under section 33(10) of the National Heritage Act 1983 (orders determining limits of waters adjacent to England) applies for the purposes of this subsection as it applies for the purposes of section 33(9) of that Act.]

(3B)References to an ancient monument in subsections (1) and (2) above, as amended by subsection (3A) above, shall be construed as if the reference in section 61(12)(b) of this Act to the Secretary of State were to the Commission.]

(4)Any local authority may at the request of the owner undertake, or assist in, or defray or contribute towards the cost of the preservation, maintenance and management of any ancient monument situated in or in the vicinity of their area.

(5)No expenses shall be incurred by the Secretary of State [F88or the Commission] or any local authority under this section in connection with any monument which is occupied as a dwelling house by any person other than a person employed as the caretaker thereof or his family.

25 Advice and superintendence by Secretary of State.E+W+S

(1)[F89Subject to subsection (3A) below] The Secretary of State may give advice with reference to the treatment of any ancient monument.

(2)[F89Subject to subsection (3A) below] The Secretary of State may also, if in his opinion it is advisable, superintend any work in connection with any ancient monument if invited to do so by the owner, and shall superintend any such work, whether required to do so by the owner or not, in connection with any scheduled monument, if in his opinion it is advisable.

(3)[F89Subject to subsection (3A) below] The Secretary of State may make a charge for giving advice and superintendence under this section or may give it free of charge, as he thinks fit.

[F90(3A)As respects a monument situated in England, subsections (1) to (3) above shall apply as if “Commission” were substituted for “Secretary of State”, “their” for “his” (in each place) and “they think” for “he thinks”.

(3B)References to an ancient monument in subsections (1) and (2) above, as amended by subsection (3A) above, shall be construed as if the reference in section 61(12)(b) of this Act to the Secretary of State were to the Commission.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18S. 25(2) restricted (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(8)(a)

C19S. 25(3) excluded (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(8)(b)

26 Power of entry on land believed to contain an ancient monument.E+W+S

(1)A person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable time enter any land in, on or under which the Secretary of State knows or has reason to believe there is an ancient monument for the purpose of inspecting the land (including any building or other structure on the land) with a view to recording any matters of archaeological or historical interest.

(2)Subject to subsection (3) below, a person entering any land in exercise of the power conferred by subsection (1) above may carry out excavations in the land for the purpose of archaeological investigation.

(3)No excavation shall be made in exercise of the power conferred by subsection (2) above except with the consent of every person whose consent to the making of the excavation would be required apart from this section.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20S. 26 restricted (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(3)

27 General provisions as to compensation for depreciation under Part I.E+W+S

(1)For the purpose of assessing any compensation to which this section applies, the rules set out in section 5 of the M22Land Compensation Act 1961 or, in relation to land in Scotland, the rules set out in section 12 of the M23Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963 shall, so far as applicable and subject to any necessary modifications, have effect as they have effect for the purpose of assessing compensation for the compulsory acquisition of an interest in land.

(2)This section applies to any compensation payable under section 7 or 9 of this Act in respect of any loss or damage consisting of depreciation of the value of an interest in land.

(3)Where an interest in land is subject to a mortgage—

(a)any compensation to which this section applies, which is payable in respect of depreciation of the value of that interest, shall be assessed as if the interest were not subject to the mortgage;

(b)a claim for any such compensation may be made by any mortgagee of the interest, but without prejudice to the making of a claim by the person entitled to the interest;

(c)no compensation to which this section applies shall be payable in respect of the interest of the mortgagee (as distinct from the interest which is subject to the mortgage); and

(d)any compensation to which this section applies which is payable in respect of the interest which is subject to the mortgage shall be paid to the mortgagee, or, if there is more than one mortgagee, to the first mortgagee, and shall in either case be applied by him as if it were proceeds of sale.

Marginal Citations

28 Offence of damaging certain ancient monuments.E+W+S

(1)A person who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any protected monument—

(a)knowing that it is a protected monument; and

(b)intending to destroy or damage the monument or being reckless as to whether the monument would be destroyed or damaged;

shall be guilty of an offence.

(2)This section applies to anything done by or under the authority of the owner of the monument, other than an act for the execution of excepted works, as it applies to anything done by any other person.

In this subsection “excepted works” means works for which scheduled monument consent has been given under this Act (including any consent granted by order under section 3).

(3)In this section “protected monument” means any scheduled monument and any monument under the ownership or guardianship of the Secretary of State [F91or the Commission] or a local authority by virtue of this Act.

(4)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both; or

(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21S. 28 excluded (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(9)

29 Compensation orders for damage to monuments under guardianship in England and Wales.E+W+S

Where the owner or any other person is convicted of an offence involving damage to a monument situated in England and Wales which was at the time of the offence under the guardianship of the Secretary of State [F92or the Commission] or any local authority by virtue of this Act, any compensation order made under [F93section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] (compensation orders against convicted persons) in respect of that damage shall be made in favour of the Secretary of State or [F94the Commission or the local authority in question (as the case may require)].

30 Disposal of land acquired under Part I.E+W+S

(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Secretary of State [F95or the Commission] or any local authority may dispose of any land acquired by them under section 10, 11 or 21 of this Act.

[F96(1A)The Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before disposing of any land situated in England under this section.

(1B)The Commission shall consult with the Secretary of State before disposing of any land under this section.]

(2)A local authority shall consult with the Secretary of State before disposing of any land under this section.

(3)Subject to subsection (4) below, where the land in question is or includes a monument, the Secretary of State or [F97the Commission or the local authority (as the case may be)] may only dispose of it on such terms as will in their opinion ensure the preservation of the monument.

(4)Subsection (3) above does not apply in any case where the Secretary of State or [F97the Commission or the local authority (as the case may be)] are satisfied that it is no longer practicable to preserve the monument (whether because of the cost of preserving it or otherwise).

31 Voluntary contributions towards expenditure under Part I.E+W+S

The Secretary of State or any local authority may receive voluntary contributions for or towards the cost of any expenditure incurred by them under this Part of this Act (whether in relation to any particular monument or land or otherwise).

32 Interpretation of Part I.E+W+S

(1)In this Part of this Act “maintenance” and “maintain” have the meanings given by section 13(7) of this Act, and expressions to which a meaning is given for the purposes of [F98the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990] or (as regards Scotland) for the purposes of [F99the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 or the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997] have the same meaning as in [F98the said Acts of 1990] or (as the case may require) as in [F99the said Acts of 1997].

(2)References in this Part of this Act to a monument, in relation to the acquisition or transfer of any monument (whether under a power conferred by this Part of this Act or otherwise), include references to any interest in or right over the monument.

(3)For the purposes of this Part of this Act the Secretary of State [F100or the Commission] or a local authority are the owners of a monument by virtue of this Act if the Secretary of State or [F101the Commission or the local authority (as the case be)] have acquired it under section 10, 11 or 21 of this Act.

Part II E+W+S Archaeological Areas

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22Pt. II (ss. 33-41) extended (E.W.) (19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 70, 125(2), Sch. 9 para.10(1) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7)

33 Designation of areas of archaeological importance.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may from time to time by order designate as an area of archaeological importance any area which appears to him to merit treatment as such for the purposes of this Act [F102; but, where the area in question is situated in England, he shall consult with the Commission before doing so.]

(2)A local authority may from time to time by order designate as an area of archaeological importance any area within the area of that local authority which appears to them to merit treatment as such for the purposes of this Act [F103; but, where the area in question is situated in England, the authority shall first notify the Commission of their intention to do so.]

[F104(2A)The Commission may from time to time by order designate as an area of archaeological importance any area in Greater London which appears to them to merit treatment as such for the purposes of this Act.]

(3)An order under this section designating an area as an area of archaeological importance (whether made by the Secretary of State or by a local authority [F105or by the Commission]) is referred to below in this Act as a designation order.

(4)The Secretary of State may at any time by order vary or revoke a designation order, but his power to vary such an order is confined to reducing the area designated by the order.

[F106The Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before varying or revoking an order relating to an area situated in England.]

(5)A designation order relating to an area in England and Wales shall be a local land charge.

(6)Schedule 2 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the making, and with respect to the variation and revocation, of designation orders.

34 Investigating authorities for areas of archaeological importance.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may at any time appoint any person whom he considers to be competent to undertake archaeological investigations to exercise in relation to any area of archaeological importance the functions conferred by the following provisions of this Part of this Act on the investigating authority for an area of archaeological importance, and any such appointment shall be on such terms and for such period as the Secretary of State thinks fit.

[F107The Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before making an appointment under this subsection in relation to an area situated in England.]

(2)A person’s appointment as investigating authority may be cancelled at any time by the Secretary of State [F108; but, where the appointment was made in relation to an area situated in England, he shall consult with the Commission before cancelling the appointment.]

(3)On appointing or cancelling the appointment of any person as investigating authority for an area of archaeological importance, the Secretary of Sate shall notify each local authority in whose area the area of archaeological importance in question is wholly or partly situated [F109; and, if the area is wholly or partly situated in Greater London, he shall also notify the Commission.]

(4)Where there is for the time being no person holding appointment under this section as the investigating authority for an area of archaeological importance, the functions of the investigating authority for that area under this Part of this Act shall be exercisable by the [F110Commission (in the case of an area situated in England) or the Secretary of State (in any other case)].

(5)A person duly authorised in writing by any person by whom the functions of an investigating authority under this Part of this Act are for the time being exercisable may act on his behalf in the exercise of those functions.

35 Notice required of operations in areas of archaeological importance. E+W+S

(1)Subject to section 37 of this Act, if any person carries out, or causes or permits to be carried out, on land in an area of archaeological importance any operations to which this section applies—

(a)without having first served a notice relating to those operations which complies with subsections (4) and (5) below; or

(b)within six weeks of serving such a notice;

he shall be guilty of an offence.

(2)Subject to section 37 of this Act, this section applies to any of the following operations, that is to say—

(a)operations which disturb the ground;

(b)flooding operations; and

(c)tipping operations.

(3)In this Part of this Act the person carrying out or proposing to carry out any operations is referred to, in relation to those operations, as “the developer”, and a notice complying with subsections (4) and (5) below is referred to as an “operations notice”.

(4)A notice required for the purposes of this section—

(a)shall specify the operations to which it relates, the site on which they are to be carried out, the date on which it is proposed to begin them and, where the operations are to be carried out after clearance of the site, the developer’s estimated date for completion of the clearance operations;

(b)shall be accompanied by a certificate in the prescribed form which satisfies the requirements of section 36 of this Act; and

(c)shall be in the prescribed form.

(5)A notice required for the purposes of this section shall be served by the developer—

(a)in the case of land in England F111. . ., on the district council or London borough council or (as the case may be) on each district council or London borough council in whose area the site of the operations is wholly or partly situated;

[F112(aa)in the case of land in Wales, on the council of each county or county borough in which the site of the operations is wholly or partly situated;]

(b)in the case of land in Scotland, on the local authority or (as the case may be) on each local authority in whose area the site of the operations is wholly or partly situated; or

(c)in a case where the developer is any such council or local authority, on the Secretary of State.

(6)Regulations made by the Secretary of State may prescribe the steps to be taken by any council or local authority on whom an operations notice is served in accordance with subsection (5) above.

(7)Where an operations notice is served with respect to operations which are to be carried out after clearance of any site, the developer shall notify the investigating authority for the area of archaeological importance in question of the clearance of the site immediately on completion of the clearance operations.

(8)If in a case falling within subsection (7) above the developer carries out, or causes or permits to be carried out, any of the operations to which the operations notice relates without having first notified the investigating authority of the clearance of the site in accordance with that subsection, this section shall have effect in relation to those operations as if the operations notice had not been served.

(9)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a)on summary conviction or, in Scotland, on conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or

(b)on conviction on indictment to a fine.

(10)Without prejudice to section 222 of the M24Local Government Act 1972, any such council as is mentioned in subsection (5)(a) above may institute proceedings for an offence under this section in respect of operations on any site situated partly in their area notwithstanding that the operations are confined to a part of the site outside their area; and if it appears to any such council or, in Scotland, to any local authority—

(a)that any operations are being, or are about to be, carried out in contravention of this section on any site situated wholly or partly in their area; and

(b)that the site contains or is likely to contain anything of archaeological or historical interest which will be disturbed, damaged, destroyed or removed without proper archaeological investigation if operations are carried out on the site without regard for the provisions of this Part of this Act;

that council or local authority may take proceedings in the High Court or, in Scotland, in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of securing an injunction or interdict prohibiting those operations from being carried out in contravention of this section.

[F113(11)This section shall have effect, in relation to any land within the Broads (as defined by the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988), as if the Broads Authority were the district council (to the exclusion of the authority which is otherwise the district council for the area in question) and the Broads were its local authority area.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24S. 35 extended (E.W.)(19.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, ss. 70, 125, Sch. 9 para. 10(2)(with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7).

C25S. 35 excluded (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(10)

Marginal Citations

36 Certificate to accompany operations notice under section 35.E+W+S

(1)A person is qualified to issue a certificate for the purposes of section 35(4)(b) of this Act if he either—

(a)has an interest in the site of the operations which (apart from any restrictions imposed by law) entitles him to carry out the operations in question; or

(b)has a right to enter on and take possession of that site under section 11(1) or (2) of the M25Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (powers of entry on land subject to compulsory purchase) or, in the case of a site in Scotland, under paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 2 to the M26Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) (Scotland) Act 1947.

(2)Statutory undertakers are qualified to issue a certificate for the purposes of section 35(4)(b) of this Act if they are entitled by or under any enactment to carry out the operations in question.

(3)Any such certificate—

(a)shall be signed by or on behalf of a person or persons qualified in accordance with subsection (1) or (2) above to issue it;

(b)shall state that the person issuing the certificate has an interest within paragraph (a) or (as the case may be) a right within paragraph (b) of subsection (1) above or, in the case of a certificate issued by statutory undertakers, shall state that it is so issued and specify the enactment by or under which they are entitled to carry out the operations in question; and

(c)if the person issuing the certificate is not the developer, shall state that he has authorised the developer to carry out the operations.

(4)If any person issues a certificate which purports to comply with the requirements of this section and which contains a statement which he knows to be false or misleading in a material particular, or recklessly issues a certificate which purports to comply with those requirements and which contains a statement which is false or misleading in a material particular, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction or, in Scotland, on conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding [F114level 3 on the standard scale].

37 Exemptions from offence under section 35.E+W+S

(1)Section 35 of this Act does not apply to any operations carried out with the consent of the investigating authority for the area of archaeological importance in question.

(2)The Secretary of State may by order direct that section 35 shall not apply to the carrying out, or to the carrying out by any class or description of persons specified in the order, of operations of any class or description so specified; and an exemption conferred by an order under this subsection may be either unconditional or subject to any conditions specified in the order.

(3)The Secretary of State may direct that any exemption conferred by an order under subsection (2) above shall not apply to the carrying out on any land specified in the direction, or to the carrying out on any land so specified by any class or description of persons so specified, of operations of any class or description so specified, and may withdraw any direction given under this subsection.

[F115The Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before giving or withdrawing a direction under this subsection in relation to land situated in England.]

(4)A direction under subsection (3) above shall not take effect until notice of it has been served on the occupier or (if there is no occupier) on the owner of the land in question.

(5)In any proceedings for an offence under section 35 consisting in carrying out, or causing or permitting to be carried out, any operations which disturb the ground, it shall be a defence for the accused to prove that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid or prevent disturbance of the ground.

(6)In any proceedings for an offence under section 35 it shall be a defence for the accused to prove either—

(a)that he did not know and had no reason to believe that the site of the operations was within an area of archaeological importance;

(b)that the operations were urgently necessary in the interests of safety or health and that notice in writing of the need for the operations was given to the Secretary of State as soon as reasonably practicable.

38 Powers of investigating authority to enter and excavate site of operations covered by an operations notice.E+W+S

(1)Where an operations notice is served with respect to any operations, the investigating authority for the area of archaeological importance in which the site of the operations is situated shall thereupon have a right to enter, at any reasonable time, the site and any land giving access to the site, for either or both of the following purposes, that is to say—

(a)for the purpose of inspecting the site (including any buildings or other structures on the site) with a view to recording any matters of archaeological or historical interest and determining whether it would be desirable to carry out any excavations in the site; and

(b)for the purpose of observing any operations carried out on the site with a view to examining and recording any objects or other material of archaeological or historical interest, and recording any matters of archaeological or historical interest, discovered during the course of those operations.

(2)Where—

(a)an operations notice is served with respect to any operations; and

(b)the investigating authority for the area of archaeological importance in which the site of the operations is situated serves notice in accordance with subsection (3) below of its intention to excavate the site;

the investigating authority shall have a right to carry out excavations in the site for the purpose of archaeological investigation at any time during the period allowed for excavation in accordance with subsection (4) below.

(3)The investigating authority shall only have a right to excavate the site of any operations in accordance with subsection (2) above if before the end of the period of four weeks beginning with the date of service of the operations notice the authority—

(a)serves notice in the prescribed form of its intention to excavate on the developer; and

(b)serves a copy of that notice on any council (in England and Wales) or local authority (in Scotland) served with the operations notice and also (unless the functions of the investigating authority are for the time being exercisable by the Secretary of State) on the Secretary of State. [F116and

(c)where the site in question is situated in England, serves a copy of that notice on the Commission (unless the investigating authority is for the time being the Commission).]

(4)The period allowed for excavation under subsection (2) above is the period of four months and two weeks beginning—

(a)with the date immediately following the end of the period of six weeks beginning with the date of service of the operations notice; or

(b)where the operations specified in the operations notice are to be carried out after clearance of the site, with the date of receipt of the notification of clearance of the site required under section 35(7) of this Act or with the date first mentioned in paragraph (a) above (whichever last occurs); or

(c)with any earlier date agreed between the investigating authority and the developer.

(5)Where—

(a)the investigating authority has served notice of its intention to excavate the site in accordance with subsection (3) above; and

(b)the period of six weeks beginning with the date of service of the operations notice has expired;

the investigating authority shall have a right to carry out excavations in the site for the purpose of archaeological investigation notwithstanding that the period allowed for excavation in accordance with subsection (4) above has not yet begun, but only if the authority does not thereby obstruct the execution on the site by the developer of clearance operations or any other operations to which section 35 of this Act does not apply.

(6)The investigating authority may at any reasonable time enter the site and any land giving access to the site for the purpose of exercising a right to excavate the site in accordance with subsection (2) or (5) above.

(7)If operations to which the operations notice relates are carried out on the site at a time when the investigating authority has a right to excavate the site in accordance with subsection (2) or (5) above section 35 of this Act shall have effect in relation to those operations as if the operations notice had not been served (subject, however, to any exemption or defence conferred by or under section 37 of this Act).

(8)The Secretary of State may at any time direct—

(a)that an investigating authority shall comply with any conditions specified in the direction in exercising any of its powers under the preceding provisions of this section in relation to any site; or

(b)that any such power shall cease to be exercisable by an investigating authority in relation to the whole or any part of any site;

and may vary or revoke any direction given under paragraph (a) above.

[F117The Secretary of State shall consult with the Commission before giving, varying or revoking a direction under this subsection in relation to a site situated in England.]

(9)On giving a direction under subsection (8) above the Secretary of State shall serve a copy of the direction on each of the following persons, that is to say—

(a)the investigating authority;

(b)any council (in England and Wales) or local authority (in Scotland) served with the operations notice in question;

(c)the developer; and

(d)any person other than the developer by whom the certificate accompanying the operations notice in accordance with section 35(4)(b) of this Act was issued;

and on varying or revoking any such direction the Secretary of State shall notify the same persons (giving particulars of the effect of any variation).

[F118(10)On giving a direction under subsection (8) above in relation to a site situated in England the Secretary of State shall send a copy of the direction to the Commission (if the investigating authority is not the Commission).

(11)On varying or revoking a direction given under subsection (8) above in relation to a site situated in England the Secretary of State shall notify the Commission (giving particulars of the effect of any variation) if the investigating authority is not the Commission.]

39 Power of investigating authority to investigate in advance of operations notice any site which may be acquired compulsorily.E+W+S

(1)If an authority possessing compulsory purchase powers notifies the investigating authority for any area of archaeological importance that it proposes to carry out, or to authorise someone else to carry out, on any site in the area, any operations of a description mentioned in section 35(2) of this Act (other than exempt operations), the investigating authority shall thereupon have a right to enter, at any reasonable time, the site and any land giving access to the site, for the purpose mentioned in section 38(1)(a) of this Act.

In this subsection “exempt operations” means operations excluded from the application of section 35 by an order under section 37 of this Act.

(2)The right of an investigating authority to enter any site by virtue of subsection (1) above shall cease at the end of the period of one month beginning with the day on which it is first exercised.

(3)Section 38(8) of this Act shall apply in relation to the power of entry under this section as it applies in relation to the powers of an investigating authority under that section.

(4)Section 38(9) of this Act shall not apply in relation to a direction under section 38(8) with respect to the exercise of the power of entry under this section, but on giving any such direction the Secretary of State shall serve a copy of the direction on each of the following persons, that is to say—

(a)the investigating authority;

(b)the authority possessing compulsory purchase powers; and

(c)the owner and (if the owner is not the occupier) the occupier of the site in question; [F119and

(d)where the site in question is situated in England, the Commission (if the investigating authority is not the Commission);]

and on varying or revoking any such direction the Secretary of State shall notify the same persons (giving particulars of the effect of any variation).

(5)In this section “authority possessing compulsory purchase powers” means any person or body of persons who could be or have been authorised to acquire an interest in land compulsorily.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26S. 39(1) amended (18.12.1996) by 1996 c. 61, s. 12, Sch. 7 para. 4(11)

40 Other powers of entry on site of operations covered by an operations notice.E+W+S

Where an operations notice is served with respect to any operations—

(a)any person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State may at any reasonable time enter the site of the operations for the purpose of inspecting the site (including any building or other structure on the site) and recording any matters of archaeological or historical interest observed in the course of that inspection; and

(b)any person duly authorised in writing by the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments may at any reasonable time enter the site for the purpose of inspecting any building or other structure on the site and recording any matters of archaeological or historical interest observed in the course of that inspection.

41 Interpretation of Part II.E+W+S

(1)In this Part of this Act—

(a)the developer” and “operations notice” have the meanings respectively given by section 35(3) of this Act;

(b)references to a London borough council include references to the Common Council of the City of London;

(c)references to operations on any land include references to operations in, under or over the land in question;

(d)references to the clearance of any site are references to the demolition and removal of any existing building or other structure on the site and the removal of any other materials thereon so as to clear the surface of the land (but do not include the levelling of the surface or the removal of materials from below the surface); and

(e)references to clearance operations are references to operations undertaken for the purpose of or in connection with the clearance of any site.

(2)For the purposes of this Part of this Act, the investigating authority for an area of archaeological importance is the person for the time being holding appointment as such under section 34 of this Act or (if there is no such person) the [F120Commission (in a case where the area is situated in England) or the Secretary of State (in any other case)].

Part III E+W+S Miscellaneous and Supplemental

Restrictions on use of metal detectorsE+W+S

42 Restrictions on use of metal detectors.E+W+S

(1)If a person uses a metal detector in a protected place without the written consent of the [F121Commission (in a case of a place situated in England) or of the Secretary of State (in any other case)] he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction or, in Scotland, on conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding [F122level 3 on the standard scale].

(2)In this section—

  • metal detector” means any device designed or adapted for detecting or locating any metal or mineral in the ground; and

  • protected place” means any place which is either—

(a)the site of a scheduled monument or of any monument under the ownership or guardianship of the Secretary of State [F123or the Commission] or a local authority by virtue of this Act; or

(b)situated in an area of archaeological importance.

(3)If a person without [F124written consent] removes any object of archaeological or historical interest which he has discovered by the use of a metal detector in a protected place he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or on conviction on indictment to a fine.

[F125The reference in this subsection to written consent is to that of the Commission (where the place in question is situated in England) or of the Secretary of State (in any other case)]

(4)A consent granted by the Secretary of State [F126or the Commission] for the purposes of this section may be granted either unconditionally or subject to conditions.

(5)If any person—

(a)in using a metal detector in a protected place in accordance with any consent granted by the Secretary of State [F126or the Commission] for the purposes of this section; or

(b)in removing or otherwise dealing with any object which he has discovered by the use of a metal detector in a protected place in accordance with any such consent;

fails to comply with any condition attached to the consent, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable, in a case falling within paragraph (a) above, to the penalty provided by subsection (1) above, and in a case falling within paragraph (b) above, to the penalty provided by subsection (3) above.

(6)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) above, it shall be a defence for the accused to prove that he used the metal detector for a purpose other than detecting or locating objects of archaeological or historical interest.

(7)In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) or (3) above, it shall be a defence for the accused to prove that he had taken all reasonable precautions to find out whether the place where he used the metal detector was a protected place and did not believe that it was.

Powers of entryE+W+S

43 Power of entry for survey and valuation.E+W+S

(1)Any person authorised under this section may at any reasonable time enter any land for the purpose of surveying it, or estimating its value, in connection with any proposal to acquire that or any other land under this Act or in connection with any claim for compensation under this Act in respect of any such acquisition or for any damage to that or any other land.

(2)A person is authorised under this section if he is an officer of the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue Department or a person duly authorised in writing by the Secretary of State or other authority proposing to make the acquisition which is the occasion of the survey or valuation or (as the case may be) from whom in accordance with this Act compensation in respect of the damage is recoverable.

(3)Subject to section 44(9) of this Act, the power to survey land conferred by this section shall be construed as including power to search and bore for the purposes of ascertaining the nature of the subsoil or the presence of minerals therein.

44 Supplementary provisions with respect to powers of entry.E+W+S

(1)A person may not in the exercise of any power of entry under this Act, other than that conferred by section 43, enter any building or part of a building occupied as a dwelling house without the consent of the occupier.

(2)Subject to the following provisions of this subsection, a person may not in the exercise of any power of entry under this Act demand admission as of right to any land which is occupied unless prior notice of the intended entry has been given to the occupier—

(a)where the purpose of the entry is to carry out any works on the land (other than excavations in exercise of the power under section 26 or 38 of this Act), not less than fourteen days before the day on which admission is demanded; or

(b)in any other case, not less than twenty-four hours before admission is demanded.

This subsection does not apply in relation to the power of entry under section 5 of this Act.

(3)A person seeking to enter any land in exercise of any power of entry under this Act shall, if so required by or on behalf of the owner or occupier thereof, produce evidence of his authority before entering.

(4)Any power of entry under this Act shall be construed as including power for any person entering any land in exercise of the power of entry to take with him any assistance or equipment reasonably required for the purpose to which his entry relates and to do there anything reasonably necessary for carrying out that purpose.

(5)Without prejudice to subsection (4) above, where a person enters any land in exercise of any power of entry under this Act for the purpose of carrying out any archaeological investigation or examination of the land, he may take and remove such samples of any description as appear to him to be reasonably required for the purpose of archaelolgical analysis.

(6)Subject to subsection (7) below, where any works are being carried out on any land in relation to which any power of entry under this Act is exercisable, a person acting in the exercise of that power shall comply with any reasonable requirements or conditions imposed by the person by whom the works are being carried out for the purpose of preventing interference with or delay to the works.

(7)Any requirements or conditions imposed by a person by whom any works are being carried out shall not be regarded as reasonable for the purposes of subsection (6) above if compliance therewith would in effect frustrate the exercise of the power of entry or the purpose of the entry; and that subsection does not apply where the works in question are being carried out in contravention of section 2(1) or (6) or 35 of this Act.

(8)Any person who intentionally obstructs a person acting in the exercise of any power of entry under this Act shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction or, in Scotland, on conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding [F127level 3 on the standard scale]

(9)Where under section 43 of this Act a person proposes to carry out any works authorised by virtue of subsection (3) of that section—

(a)he shall not carry out those works unless notice of his intention to do so was included in the notice required by subsection (2)(a) above; and

(b)if the land in question is held by statutory undertakers, and those undertakers object to the proposed works on the grounds that the carrying out thereof would be seriously detrimental to the carrying on of their undertaking, the works shall not be carried out except with the authority of the Secretary of State.

Financial provisionsE+W+S

45 Expenditure on archaeological investigation.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may undertake, or assist in, or defray or contribute towards the cost of, an archaeological investigation of any land [F128)(other than land in England)] which he considers may contain an ancient monument or anything else of archaeological or historical interest.

[F129(1A)The Commission may undertake, or assist in, or defray or contribute towards the cost of, an archaeological investigation of any land in England which they consider may contain an ancient monument or anything else of archaeological or historical interest; and the reference to an ancient monument in this subsection shall be construed as if the reference in section 61(12)(b) of this Act to the Secretary of State were to the Commission.]

(2)Any local authority may undertake, or assist in, or defray or contribute towards the cost of, an archaeological investigation of any land in or in the vicinity of their area, being land which they consider may contain an ancient monument or anything else of archaeological or historical interest.

(3)The Secretary of State [F130or the Commission] or any local authority may publish the results of any archaeological investigation undertaken, assisted, or wholly or partly financed by them under this section in such manner and form as they think fit.

(4)Without prejudice to the application, by virtue of section 53 of this Act, of any other provision of this Act to land which is not within Great Britain, the powers conferred by this section shall be exercisable in relation to any such land which forms part of the sea bed within the seaward limits of United Kingdom territorial waters adjacent to the coast of Great Britain [F131(or, as regards the powers mentioned in subsection (1A) above, England)].

46 Compensation for damage caused by exercise of certain powers under this Act.E+W+S

(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, where, in the exercise in relation to any land of any power to which this section applies, any damage has been caused to that land or to any chattels on that land, any person interested in that land or those chattels may recover compensation in respect of that damage from the Secretary of State [F132or the Commission] or other authority by or on whose behalf the power was exercised.

(2)Where any such damage is caused in the exercise of any such power by or on behalf of any person for the time being holding appointment as the investigating authority for an area of archaeological importance under section 34 of this Act, compensation shall be recoverable in accordance with this section from the [F133Commission (if the area in question is situated in England) or from the Secretary of State (in any other case).]

(3)This section applies to any power to enter, or to do anything, on any land under any of the following sections of this Act, that is to say, sections 6, [F1346A] 26, 38, 39, 40 and 43.

(4)References in subsection (1) above to chattels shall be construed in relation to Scotland as references to moveables.

47 General provisions with respect to claims for compensation under this Act.E+W+S

(1)Any claim for compensation under this Act shall be made within the time and in the manner prescribed.

(2)Any question of disputed compensation under this Act shall be referred to and determined by the Lands Tribunal or (in the case of any land situated in Scotland) by the Lands Tribunal for Scotland.

(3)In relation to the determination of any such question, the provisions of sections 2 and 4 of the M27Land Compensation Act 1961 or (as the case may be) of Sections 9 and 11 of the M28Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963 shall apply, but the references in section 4 of the Act of 1961 and section 11 of the Act of 1963 to the acquiring authority shall be construed as references to the authority by whom the compensation claimed is payable under this Act.

Marginal Citations

M271961 c 33.

M281963 c 51.

48 Recovery of grants for expenditure in conservation areas and on historic buildings.E+W+S

F135(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

X1(2)After section 4 of the M29Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 (grants for preservation of historic buildings, their contents and adjoining land) there shall be inserted the following section —

4A Recovery of grants under section 4.

(1)This section applies to any grant under section 4 of this Act made on terms that it shall be recoverable under this section ; but any such grant shall only be regarded for the purposes of this section as so made if before or on making the grant the Secretary of State gives to the grantee notice in writing —

(a)summarising the effect of this section ; and

(b)specifying the period during which the grant is to be recoverable in accordance with subsection (4) below in the case of a grant made for the purpose there mentioned.

(2)The period specified under subsection (1)(b) above in the case of any grant shall be a period beginning with the day on which the grant is made and ending not more than ten years after that day.

(3)If any condition subject to which a grant to which this section applies was made is contravened or not complied with, the Secretary of State may recover the amount of the grant or such part of it as he thinks fit from the grantee.

(4)If, during the period specified under subsection (1)(b) above in the case of a grant to which this section applies made to any person for the purpose of defraying in whole or in part any expenditure on the repair, maintenance or upkeep of any property, the grantee disposes in any manner mentioned in subsection (5) below of the interest, or any part thereof, held by him in the property on the day on which the grant is made (referred to below in this section as “the relevant interest”), the Secretary of State may recover the amount of the grant or such part of it as he thinks fit from the grantee.

(5)Subsection (4) above only applies where the grantee disposes of the relevant interest or any part of it by way of sale or exchange or lease for a term of not less than twenty-one years.

(6)If a person becomes entitled by way of gift from the grantee, whether directly or indirectly (but otherwise than by will) to a part of the relevant interest, a disposal by the donee in any manner mentioned in subsection (5) above of the interest so acquired by him in the property, or any part of that interest, shall be treated for the purposes of subsection (4) above as a disposal by the grantee of a part of the relevant interest.

(7)If a person becomes entitled by way of any such gift to the whole of the relevant interest subsection (4) above shall have effect (except for the purpose of determining the relevant interest) as if the donee were the grantee.

(8)Nothing in subsection (3) or (4) above shall be taken as conferring on the Secretary of State a right to recover (by virtue of a breach of more than one condition or disposals of several parts of an interest in property) amounts in the aggregate exceeding the amount of the grant.

Editorial Information

X1The text of s. 48(2) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Textual Amendments

F135S. 48(1) repealed (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 11, ss. 3, 6(2), Sch. 1 Pt.I (with s. 5, Sch. 3)

Marginal Citations

49 Grants to the Architectural Heritage Fund.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may make grants to the [F136Architectural Heritage Fund].

[F137(1A)The Commission may make grants to the Architectural Heritage Fund for the purpose of enabling it to perform its functions in, or in relation to, England.]

(2)A grant under this section may be made subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State [F138or the Commission (as the case may be)] may think fit to impose.

[F139(3)In this section “the Architectural Heritage Fund” means the institution registered under that name under [F140the Charities Act 1993]]

Application to special casesE+W+S

50 Application to Crown land.E+W+S

(1)Notwithstanding any interest of the Crown in Crown land, but subject to the following provisions of this section—

(a)a monument which for the time being is Crown land may be included in the Schedule; and

(b)any restrictions or powers imposed or conferred by any of the provisions of this Act shall apply and be exercisable in relation to Crown land and in relation to anything done on Crown land otherwise than by or on behalf of the Crown, but not so as to affect any interest of the Crown therein.

(2)Except with the consent of the appropriate authority—

(a)no power under this Act to enter, or to do anything, on any land shall be exercisable in relation to land which for the time being is Crown land; and

(b)no interest in land which for the time being is Crown land shall be acquired compulsorily under Part I of this Act.

(3)In relation to any operations proposed to be carried out on Crown land otherwise than by or on behalf of the Crown, an operations notice served under section 35 of this Act shall not be effective for the purposes of that section unless it is accompanied by a certificate from the appropriate authority in the prescribed form consenting to the exercise in relation to that land in connection with those operations of the powers conferred by sections 38 and 40 of this Act.

(4)In this section “Crown land” means land in which there is a Crown interest or a Duchy interest; “Crown interest” means an interest belonging to Her Majesty in right of the Crown, or belonging to a Government department, or held in trust for Her Majesty for the purposes of a Government department, and includes any estate or interest held in right of the Prince and Steward of Scotland; “Duchy interest” means an interest belonging to Her Majesty in right of the Duchy of Lancaster, or belonging to the Duchy of Cornwall; and for the purposes of this section “the appropriate authority”, in relation to any land—

(a)in the case of land belonging to Her Majesty in right of the Crown and forming part of the Crown Estate, means the Crown Estate Commissioners, and, in relation to any other land belonging to Her Majesty in right of the Crown, means the Government department having the management of that land;

(b)in relation to land belonging to Her Majesty in right of the Duchy of Lancaster, means the Chancellor of the Duchy;

(c)in relation to land belonging to the Duchy of Cornwall, means such person as the Duke of Cornwall, or the possessor for the time being of the Duchy of Cornwall, appoints;

(d)in the case of land belonging to a Government department or held in trust for Her Majesty for the purposes of a Government department, means that department;

and, if any question arises as to what authority is the appropriate authority in relation to any land, that question shall be referred to the Treasury, whose decision shall be final.

In this subsection “Government department” includes any Minister of the Crown.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30S. 50 modified (17.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1732, arts. 1, 3(1).

S. 50 extended (17.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1732, arts. 1, 3(1)(a).

C31S. 50(4)(a) modified (17.7.1992) by S.I. 1992/1732, arts. 1, 3(2).

51 Ecclesiastical Property.E+W+S

(1)Without prejudice to the provisions of the M30Acquisition of Land (Authorisation Procedure) Act 1946 with respect to notices served under that Act, where under any of the provisions of this Act a notice is required to be served on an owner of land, and the land is ecclesiastical property, a like notice shall be served on the Church Commissioners.

(2)Where the fee simple of any ecclesiastical property is in abeyance, the fee simple shall for the purposes of this Act be treated as being vested in the Church Commissioners.

(3)Any sum which under section 7, 9 or 46 of this Act is payable in relation to land which is ecclesiastical property and apart from this subsection would be payable to an incumbent, shall be paid to the Church Commissioners, to be applied for the purposes for which the proceeds of a sale by agreement of the land would be applicable under any enactment or Measure authorising, or disposing of the proceeds of, such a sale.

(4)Where any sum is recoverable under section 8 of this Act in respect of land which is ecclesiastical property the Church Commissioners may apply any money or securities held by them in the payment of that sum.

(5)In this section “ecclesiastical property” means land belonging to an ecclesiastical benefice of the Church of England, or being or forming part of a church subject to the jurisdiction of a bishop of any diocese of the Church of England or the site of such a church, or being or forming part of a burial ground subject to such jurisdiction.

Marginal Citations

52 Application to the Isles of Scilly.E+W+S

The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Council of the Isles of Scilly, by order provide for the application to those Isles of the provisions of this Act—

(a)as if those Isles were a district and the Council of the Isles were the council of that district; and

(b)in other respects subject to such modifications as may be specified in the order.

[F14152A The Broads.E+W+S

Parts I and II and section 45(2) and (3) of this Act shall apply, in relation to the Broads (as defined by the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988), as if the Broads Authority were a local authority.]

53 Monuments in territorial waters.E+W+S

(1)A monument situated in, on or under the sea bed within the seaward limits of United Kingdom territorial waters adjacent to the coast of Great Britain (referred to below in this section as a monument in territorial waters) may be included in the Schedule under section 1(3) of this Act, and the remaining provisions of this Act shall extend accordingly to any such monument which is a scheduled monument (but not otherwise).

(2)The entry in the Schedule relating to any monument in territorial waters shall describe the monument as lying off the coast of England, or of Scotland, or of Wales; and any such monument shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as situated in the country specified for the purposes of this subsection in the entry relating to the monument in the Schedule.

(3)In relation to any monument in territorial waters which is under the ownership or guardianship of the Secretary of State [F142or the Commission] or any local authority by virtue of this Act, references in this Act to land associated with the monument (or to associated land) include references to any part of the sea bed occupied by the Secretary of State [F142or by the Commission] or by a local authority for any such purpose relating to the monument as is mentioned in section 15(1) of this Act.

(4)Without prejudice to any jurisdiction exercisable apart from this subsection, proceedings for any offence under this Act committed in United Kingdom territorial waters adjacent to the coast of Great Britain may be taken, and the offence may for all incidental purposes be treated as having been committed, in any place in Great Britain.

(5)It is hereby declared that, notwithstanding that by virtue of this section this Act may affect individuals or bodies corporate outside the United Kingdom, it applies to any individual whether or not he is a British subject, and to any body corporate whether or not incorporated under the law of any part of the United Kingdom.

(6)A constable shall on any monument in territorial waters have all the powers, protection and privileges which he has in the area for which he acts as constable.

(7)References in this section to the sea bed do not include the seashore or any other land which, though covered (intermittently or permanently) by the sea, is within Great Britain.

SupplementalE+W+S

54 Treatment and preservation of finds.E+W

(1)Where a person enters any land in exercise of any power of entry under this Act for any of the following purposes, that is to say—

(a)to carry out any excavations in the land or any operations affecting any ancient monument situated in, on or under the land;

(b)to observe any operations on the land in exercise of the power under section 6(3)(a) or (4)(b) [F143or 6A(2)(a)] or 38(1)(b) of this Act; or

(c)to carry out any archaeological examination of the land;

he may take temporary custody of any object of archaeological or historical interest discovered during the course of those excavations or operations or (as the case may be) during the course of that examination, and remove it from its site for the purpose of examining, testing, treating, recording or preserving it.

(2)The Secretary of State or other authority by or on whose behalf the power of entry was exercised may not retain the object without the consent of the owner beyond such period as may be reasonably required for the purpose of examining and recording it and carrying out any test or treatment which appears to the Secretary of State or to that other authority to be desirable for the purpose of archaeological investigation or analysis or with a view to restoring or preserving the object.

(3)Nothing in this section shall affect any right of the Crown [F144under the Treasure Act 1996].

Extent Information

E3This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F144Words in s. 54(3) substituted (E.W.) (24.9.1997 with effect in relation to any treasure found after the commencement of 1996 c. 24, s. 4) by 1996 c. 24, s. 14(2)(4); S.I. 1997/1977, art.2

54 Treatment and preservation of finds.S

(1)Where a person enters any land in exercise of any power of entry under this Act for any of the following purposes, that is to say—

(a)to carry out any excavations in the land or any operations affecting any ancient monument situated in, on or under the land;

(b)to observe any operations on the land in exercise of the power under section 6(3)(a) or (4)(b) [F180or 6A(2)(a)] or 38(1)(b) of this Act; or

(c)to carry out any archaeological examination of the land;

he may take temporary custody of any object of archaeological or historical interest discovered during the course of those excavations or operations or (as the case may be) during the course of that examination, and remove it from its site for the purpose of examining, testing, treating, recording or preserving it.

(2)The Secretary of State or other authority by or on whose behalf the power of entry was exercised may not retain the object without the consent of the owner beyond such period as may be reasonably required for the purpose of examining and recording it and carrying out any test or treatment which appears to the Secretary of State or to that other authority to be desirable for the purpose of archaeological investigation or analysis or with a view to restoring or preserving the object.

(3)Nothing in this section shall affect any right of the Crown in relation to treasure trove.

Extent Information

E7This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only

Textual Amendments

55 Proceedings for questioning validity of certain orders, etc.E+W+S

(1)If any person—

(a)is aggrieved by any order to which this section applies and desires to question the validity of that order, on the grounds that it is not within the powers of this Act, or that any of the relevant requirements have not been complied with in relation to it; or

(b)is aggrieved by any action on the part of the Secretary of State to which this section applies and desires to question the validity of that action, on the grounds that is is not within the powers of this Act, or that any of the relevant requirements have not been complied with in relation to it;

he may, within six weeks from the relevant date, make an application under this section to the High Court or (in Scotland) to the Court of Session.

(2)This section applies to any designation order and to any order under section 33 (4) of this Act varying or revoking a designation order.

(3)This section applies to action on the part of the Secretary of State of either of the following descriptions, that is to say—

(a)any decision of the Secretary of State on an application for scheduled monument consent; and

(b)the giving by the Secretary of State of any direction under section 4 of this Act modifying or revoking a scheduled monument consent.

(4)In subsection (1) above “the relevant date” means—

(a)in relation to an order, the date on which notice of the making of the order is published (or, as the case may be, first published) in accordance with Schedule 2 to this Act; and

(b)in relation to any action on the part of the Secretary of State, the date on which that action is taken.

(5)On any application under this section the High Court or (in Scotland) the Court of Session—

(a)may by interim order suspend the operation of the order or action, the validity whereof is questioned by the application, until the final determination of the proceedings;

(b)if satisfied that the order or action in question is not within the powers of this Act, or that the interests of the applicant have been substantially prejudiced by a failure to comply with any of the relevant requirements in relation thereto, may quash that order or action in whole or in part.

(6)In this section “the relevant requirements” means—

(a)in relation to any order to which this section applies, any requirements of this Act or of any regulations made under this Act which are applicable to that order; and

(b)in relation to any action to which this section applies, any requirements of this Act or of the M31Tribunals and Inquiries Act [F1451992] or of any regulations or rules made under this Act or under that Act which are applicable to that action.

(7)Except as provided by this section, the validity of any order or action to which this section applies shall not be questioned in any legal proceedings whatsoever; but nothing in this section shall affect the exercise of any jurisdiction of any court in respect of any refusal or failure on the part of the Secretary of State to take a decision on an application for scheduled monument consent.

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

56 Service of documents.E+W+S

(1)Any notice or other document required or authorised to be served under this Act may be served either—

(a)by delivering it to the person on whom it is to be served; or

(b)by leaving it at the usual or last known place of abode of that person or, in a case where an address for service has been given by that person, at that address; or

(c)by sending it in a pre-paid registered letter, or by the recorded delivery service, addressed to that person at his usual or last known place of abode or, in a case where an address for service has been given by that person, at that address; or

(d)in the case of an incorporated company or body, by delivering it to the secretary or clerk of the company or body at their registered or principal office, or sending it in a pre-paid registered letter, or by the recorded delivery service, addressed to the secretary or clerk of the company or body at that office.

(2)Where any such notice or document is required or authorised to be served on any person as being the owner or occupier of any monument or other land—

(a)it may be addressed to the “owner” or (as the case may require) to the “occupier” of that monument or land (describing it) without further name or description; and

(b)if the usual or last known place of abode of the person in question cannot be found, it may be served by being affixed conspicuously to the monument or to some object on the site of the monument or (as the case may be) on the land.

57 Power to require information as to interests in land.E+W+S

(1)For the purpose of enabling the Secretary of State [F146or the Commission] or a local authority to exercise any function under this Act, the Secretary of State [F146or the Commission] or the local authority may require the occupier of any land and any person who, either directly or indirectly, receives rent in respect of any land to state in writing the nature of his interest therein, and the name and address of any other person known to him as having an interest therein, whether as a freeholder, owner [F147of the dominium utile,] mortgagee, lessee, or otherwise.

(2)Any person who, having been required under this section to give any information, fails without reasonable excuse to give that information, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction or, in Scotland, on conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding [F148level 3 on the standard scale].

(3)Any person who, having been so required to give any information, knowingly makes any mis-statement in respect of it, shall be guilty of an offence and liable—

(a)on summary conviction or, in Scotland, on conviction before a court of summary jurisdiction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or

(b)on conviction on indictment to a fine.

58 Offences by corporations.E+W+S

(1)Where an offence under this Act which has been committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, he, as well as the body corporate, shall be guilty of that offence and be liable to be proceeded against accordingly.

(2)In subsection (1) above the expression “director”, in relation to any body corporate established by or under an enactment for the purpose of carrying on under national ownership an industry or part of an industry or undertaking, being a body corporate whose affairs are managed by the members thereof, means a member of that body corporate.

59 Prosecution of offences: Scotland.E+W+S

Notwithstanding anything in [F149section 136 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995], summary proceedings in Scotland for an offence under this Act may be commenced at any time within one year from the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the prosecutor to warrant proceedings came to his knowledge; and a certificate purporting to be signed by the prosecutor stating that date shall be conclusive.

Textual Amendments

F149Words in s. 59 substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, ss. 5, 7(2), Sch. 4 para. 24(2)

60 Regulations and orders.E+W+S

(1)Any order or regulations made under this Act may make different provision for different cases to which the order or (as the case may be) the regulations apply.

(2)Any power of the Secretary of State to make regulations under this Act, and the power to make orders under sections 3, 37, 52, 61 and 65 of this Act shall be exercisable by statutory instrument; and any statutory instrument containing any such regulations or order, other than one containing regulations under section 19 of this Act, shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

61 Interpretation.E+W

(1)In this Act—

  • ancient monument” has the meaning given by subsection (12) below;

  • area of archaeological importance” means an area designated as such under section 33 of this Act;

  • [F150the Commission” means the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England;]

  • designation order” means an order under that section;

  • enactment” includes an enactment in any local or private Act of Parliament, and an order, rule, regulation, byelaw or scheme made under an Act of Parliament;

  • flooding operations” means covering land with water or any other liquid or partially liquid substance;

  • functions” includes powers and duties;

  • guardianship deed” has the meaning given by section 12(6) of this Act;

  • land” means—

(a)in England and Wales, any corporeal hereditament;

(b)in Scotland, any heritable property;

including a building or a monument and, in relation to any acquisition of land, includes any interest in or right over land;

  • local authority” means—

(a)in England F151. . ., the council of a county or district,. . . F152 the council of a London borough, and the Common Council of the City of London;

[F153(aa)in Wales, the council of a county or county borough;]

(b)in Scotland, the planning authority within the meaning of Part IX of the M32Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973;

  • monument” has the meaning given by subsection (7) below;

  • owner”, in relation to any land in England and Wales means (except for the purposes of paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 1 to this Act and any regulations made for the purposes of that paragraph) a person, other than a mortgagee not in possession, who, whether in his own right or as trustee for any other person, is entitled to receive the rack rent of the land, or where the land is not let at a rack rent, would be so entitled if it were so let;

  • possession” includes receipt of rents and profits or the right to receive rents and profits (if any);

  • prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State;

  • the Schedule” has the meaning given by section 1(1) of this Act;

  • scheduled monument” has the meaning given by section 1(11) of this Act and references to “scheduled monument consent” shall be construed in accordance with section 2(3) and 3(5) of this Act;

  • F154. . .

  • tipping operations” means tipping soil or spoil or depositing building or other materials or matter (including waste materials or refuse) on any land; and

[F155“universal postal service provider” means a universal service provider within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000; and references to the provision of a universal postal service shall be construed in accordance with that Act.]

  • works” includes operations of any description and, in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the preceding provision) flooding or tipping operations and any operations undertaken for purposes of agriculture (within the meaning of [F156the Town and Country Planning Act 1990] or, as regards Scotland, [F157the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997] or forestry (including afforestation).

(2)In this Act “statutory undertakers” means—

(a)persons authorised by any enactment to carry on any railway, light railway, tramway, road transport, water transport, canal, inland navigation, dock, harbour, pier or lighthouse undertaking, or any undertaking for the supply of . . . F158, . . . F159[F160or hydraulic power];

(b). . . F161the Civil Aviation Authority, the F162. . ., [F163a universal postal service provider in connection with the provision of a universal postal service] and any other authority, body or undertakers which by virtue of any enactment are to be treated as statutory undertakers for any of the purposes of [F164the Town and Country Planning Act 1990] or of [F157the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997]; and

(c)any other authority, body or undertakers specified in an order made by the Secretary of State under this paragraph.

[F165(2A)The undertaking of a universal postal service provider so far as relating to the provision of a universal postal service shall be taken to be his statutory undertaking for the purposes of this Act; and references in this Act to his undertaking shall be construed accordingly.]

(3)For the purposes of sections 14(1) and 21(2) of this Act and paragraph 6(1)(b) and (2)(b) of Schedule 3 to this Act a person shall be taken to be immediately affected by the operation of a guardianship deed relating to any land if he is bound by that deed and is in possession or occupation of the land.

(4)For the purposes of this Act “archaeological investigation” means any investigation of any land, objects or other material for the purpose of obtaining and recording any information of archaeological or historical interest and (without prejudice to the generality of the preceding provision) includes in the case of an archaeological investigation of any land—

(a)any investigation for the purpose of discovering and revealing and (where appropriate) recovering and removing any objects or other material of archaeological or historical interest situated in, on or under the land; and

(b)examining, testing, treating, recording and preserving any such objects or material discovered during the course of any excavations or inspections carried out for the purposes of any such investigation.

(5)For the purposes of this Act, an archaeological examination of any land means any examination or inspection of the land (including any buildings or other structures thereon) for the purpose of obtaining and recording any information of archaeological or historical interest.

(6)In this Act references to land associated with any monument (or to associated land) shall be construed in accordance with section 15(6) of this Act.

(7)Monument” means (subject to subsection (8) below)—

(a)any building, structure or work, whether above or below the surface of the land, and any cave or excavation;

(b)any site comprising the remains of any such building, structure or work or of any cave or excavation; and

(c)any site comprising, or comprising the remains of, any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or other movable structure or part thereof which neither constitutes nor forms part of any work which is a monument within paragraph (a) above;

and any machinery attached to a monument shall be regarded as part of the monument if it could not be detached without being dismantled.

(8)Subsection (7)(a) above does not apply to any ecclesiastical building for the time being used for ecclesiastical purposes, and subsection (7)(c) above does not apply—

(a)to a site comprising any object or its remains unless the situation of that object or its remains in that particular site is a matter of public interest;

(b)to a site comprising, or comprising the remains of, any vessel which is protected by an order under section 1 of the M33Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 designating an area round the site as a restricted area.

(9)For the purposes of this Act, the site of a monument includes not only the land in or on which it is situated but also any land comprising or adjoining it which appears to the Secretary of State [F166or the Commission] or a local authority, in the exercise in relation to that monument of any of their functions under this Act, to be essential for the monument’s support and preservation.

(10)References in this Act to a monument include references—

(a)to the site of the monument in question; and

(b)to a group of monuments or any part of a monument or group of monuments.

(11)References in this Act to the site of a monument—

(a)are references to the monument itself where it consists of a site; and

(b)in any other case include references to the monument itself.

(12)Ancient monument” means—

(a)any scheduled monument; and

(b)any other monument which in the opinion of the Secretary of State is of public interest by reason of the historic, architectural, traditional, artistic or archaeological interest attaching to it.

(13)In this section “remains” includes any trace or sign of the previous existence of the thing in question.

Extent Information

E4This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.

Textual Amendments

F154The definition of "statutory maximum" in s. 61(1) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIV Group 2

F155S. 61(1): definition of “universal postal provider” inserted (26.3.01) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 45(2)

F157Words in s. 61(1)(2)(b) substituted (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 11, ss. 4, 6(2), Sch. 2 para. 29(2)

F162Words in s. 61(2)(b) repealed (31.10.1994) by virtue of 1994 c. 21, s. 67, Sch. 9 para. 22, Sch. 11 Pt. II; S.I. 1994/2553, art. 2

F163Words in s. 61(2)(b) substituted (26.3.01) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 45(3)

F165S. 61(2A) inserted (26.3.01) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 45(4)

Marginal Citations

61 Interpretation.S

(1)In this Act—

  • ancient monument” has the meaning given by subsection (12) below;

  • area of archaeological importance” means an area designated as such under section 33 of this Act;

  • [F181the Commission” means the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England;]

  • designation order” means an order under that section;

  • enactment” includes an enactment in any local or private Act of Parliament, and an order, rule, regulation, byelaw or scheme made under an Act of Parliament;

  • flooding operations” means covering land with water or any other liquid or partially liquid substance;

  • functions” includes powers and duties;

  • guardianship deed” has the meaning given by section 12(6) of this Act;

  • land” means—

(a)in England and Wales, any corporeal hereditament;

(b)in Scotland, any heritable property;

including a building or a monument and, in relation to any acquisition of land, includes any interest in or right over land;

  • local authority” means—

(a)in England F182. . ., the council of a county or district, . . . F183 the council of a London borough, and the Common Council of the City of London;

[F184(aa)in Wales, the council of a county or county borough;]

(b)in Scotland, the planning authority within the meaning of Part IX of the M37Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973;

  • monument” has the meaning given by subsection (7) below;

  • owner”, in relation to any land in England and Wales means (except for the purposes of paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 1 to this Act and any regulations made for the purposes of that paragraph) a person, other than a mortgagee not in possession, who, whether in his own right or as trustee for any other person, is entitled to receive the rack rent of the land, or where the land is not let at a rack rent, would be so entitled if it were so let;

  • possession” includes receipt of rents and profits or the right to receive rents and profits (if any);

  • prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State;

  • the Schedule” has the meaning given by section 1(1) of this Act;

  • scheduled monument” has the meaning given by section 1(11) of this Act and references to “scheduled monument consent” shall be construed in accordance with section 2(3) and 3(5) of this Act;

  • F185. . .

  • tipping operations” means tipping soil or spoil or depositing building or other materials or matter (including waste materials or refuse) on any land; and

[F186“universal postal service provider” means a universal service provider within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000; and references to the provision of a universal postal service shall be construed in accordance with that Act.]

  • works” includes operations of any description and, in particular (but without prejudice to the generality of the preceding provision) flooding or tipping operations and any operations undertaken for purposes of agriculture (within the meaning of [F187the Town and Country Planning Act 1990] or, as regards Scotland, [F188the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997] or forestry (including afforestation).

(2)In this Act “statutory undertakers” means—

(a)persons authorised by any enactment to carry on any railway, light railway, tramway, road transport, water transport, canal, inland navigation, dock, harbour, pier or lighthouse undertaking, or any undertaking for the supply of . . . F189, . . . F190 hydraulic power or water ;

(b). . . F191the Civil Aviation Authority, the F192. . ., [F193a universal postal service provider in connection with the provision of a universal postal service]and any other authority, body or undertakers which by virtue of any enactment are to be treated as statutory undertakers for any of the purposes of [F194the Town and Country Planning Act 1990] or of [F188the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997]; and

(c)any other authority, body or undertakers specified in an order made by the Secretary of State under this paragraph.

[F195(2A)The undertaking of a universal postal service provider so far as relating to the provision of a universal postal service shall be taken to be his statutory undertaking for the purposes of this Act; and references in this Act to his undertaking shall be construed accordingly.]

(3)For the purposes of sections 14(1) and 21(2) of this Act and paragraph 6(1)(b) and (2)(b) of Schedule 3 to this Act a person shall be taken to be immediately affected by the operation of a guardianship deed relating to any land if he is bound by that deed and is in possession or occupation of the land.

(4)For the purposes of this Act “archaeological investigation” means any investigation of any land, objects or other material for the purpose of obtaining and recording any information of archaeological or historical interest and (without prejudice to the generality of the preceding provision) includes in the case of an archaeological investigation of any land—

(a)any investigation for the purpose of discovering and revealing and (where appropriate) recovering and removing any objects or other material of archaeological or historical interest situated in, on or under the land; and

(b)examining, testing, treating, recording and preserving any such objects or material discovered during the course of any excavations or inspections carried out for the purposes of any such investigation.

(5)For the purposes of this Act, an archaeological examination of any land means any examination or inspection of the land (including any buildings or other structures thereon) for the purpose of obtaining and recording any information of archaeological or historical interest.

(6)In this Act references to land associated with any monument (or to associated land) shall be construed in accordance with section 15(6) of this Act.

(7)Monument” means (subject to subsection (8) below)—

(a)any building, structure or work, whether above or below the surface of the land, and any cave or excavation;

(b)any site comprising the remains of any such building, structure or work or of any cave or excavation; and

(c)any site comprising, or comprising the remains of, any vehicle, vessel, aircraft or other movable structure or part thereof which neither constitutes nor forms part of any work which is a monument within paragraph (a) above;

and any machinery attached to a monument shall be regarded as part of the monument if it could not be detached without being dismantled.

(8)Subsection (7)(a) above does not apply to any ecclesiastical building for the time being used for ecclesiastical purposes, and subsection (7)(c) above does not apply—

(a)to a site comprising any object or its remains unless the situation of that object or its remains in that particular site is a matter of public interest;

(b)to a site comprising, or comprising the remains of, any vessel which is protected by an order under section 1 of the M38Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 designating an area round the site as a restricted area.

(9)For the purposes of this Act, the site of a monument includes not only the land in or on which it is situated but also any land comprising or adjoining it which appears to the Secretary of State [F196or the Commission] or a local authority, in the exercise in relation to that monument of any of their functions under this Act, to be essential for the monument’s support and preservation.

(10)References in this Act to a monument include references—

(a)to the site of the monument in question; and

(b)to a group of monuments or any part of a monument or group of monuments.

(11)References in this Act to the site of a monument—

(a)are references to the monument itself where it consists of a site; and

(b)in any other case include references to the monument itself.

(12)Ancient monument” means—

(a)any scheduled monument; and

(b)any other monument which in the opinion of the Secretary of State is of public interest by reason of the historic, architectural, traditional, artistic or archaeological interest attaching to it.

(13)In this section “remains” includes any trace or sign of the previous existence of the thing in question.

Extent Information

E8This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only.

Textual Amendments

F185The definition of "statutory maximum" in s. 61(1) repealed (5.11.1993) by 1993 c. 50, s. 1(1), Sch. 1 Pt. XIV Group 2

F186s. 61(1): definition of “universal postal service” inserted (26.3.01) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 45(2)

F188Words in s. 61(1)(2)(b) substituted (27.5.1997) by 1997 c. 11, ss. 4, 6(2), Sch. 2 para. 29(2)

F192Words in s. 61(2)(b) repealed (31.10.1994) by virtue of 1994 c. 21, s. 67, Sch. 9 para. 22, Sch. 11 Pt. II; S.I. 1994/2553, art. 2

F193Words in s. 61(2)(b) substituted (26.3.01) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 45(3)

F195S. 61(2A) inserted (26.3.01) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 45(4)

Marginal Citations

62 Special provision for Scotland.E+W+S

(1)–(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F167

(4)In this Act, in relation to any land in Scotland, “occupier” means an occupier with an interest in that land which is heritable and, if there is no such occupier, the owner thereof shall be deemed to be the occupier.

(5)In relation to land in Scotland, any reference in this Act—

(a)to a mortgage shall be construed as a reference to a heritable security;

(b)to a mortgagee shall be construed as a reference to a creditor in a heritable security; and

(c)to a first mortgagee shall be construed as a reference to a creditor in a heritable security which ranks prior to any other heritable security over the same land.

63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F168E+W+S

64 Transitional provisions, consequential amendments and repeals.E+W+S

(1)Schedule 3 to this Act shall have effect for the purposes of the transition to the provisions of this Act from the law previously in force.

X2(2)The enactments specified in Schedule 4 to this Act shall have effect subject to the amendments specified in that Schedule,being amendments consequential on the provisions of this Act.

X2(3)The enactments specified in Schedule 5 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.

Editorial Information

X2The text of s. 64(2)(3) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

65 Short title, commencement and extent.E+W+S

(1)This Act may be cited as the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

(2)This Act shall come into force on such day as may be appointed by order of the Secretary of State, and different days may be appointed for different purposes; and a reference in any provision of this Act to the commencement of this Act is a reference to the day appointed for the coming into force of that provision.

(3)This Act does not extend to Northern Ireland.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1Power of appointment conferred by s. 65(2) exercised: S.I. 1979/786, 1981/1300, 1981/1466 and 1982/362