...the structure is underground?
In a conservation area we have an early medieval well (I've not seen this well so I don't know how much extends above ground) that is recorded on the HER and is within an Archaeological Constraint Area. To prevent water contamination the owner has been advised to 'cap' it off which, having seen the spec, is essentially demolition of the structure by forcing it in on itself and then 'capping' it off. I have been advised by my archaeology colleague that it would be good (in order to get an understanding of the impact upon the historic environment and its contribution to the understanding of the medieval settlement pattern and to explore potential mitigation measures) to get the owner to commission a professional archaeological assessment of the site.
My question is could you consider this demolition? It would be to some extent below ground engineering operations? I wonder if anyone else has any suggestions about how to minimise the harm here if it doesn't need any form of consent?
Thanks
