Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service
The Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service (GMAAS) is hosted by the University of Salford, and is based in the historic Peel Building on the Peel Park Campus in Salford. GMAAS is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) primarily to provide advice to the county’s ten district authorities (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan) on all matters relating to archaeology and the planning process. This includes advice on appropriate protection and recording measures on development sites, and approaches to enhancing Greater Manchester’s unique and fascinating historic environment.
THE ROLE OF Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service
GMAAS undertakes the following planning work on behalf of GMCA:
- Advising on identifying Heritage Assets with an archaeological interest and understanding their significance
- Assessing the likely archaeological implications of development proposals
- Recommending any necessary archaeological work as a planning condition
- Liaising with planners and developers to mitigate impacts on significant archaeology
- Preparing briefs and advising on written schemes of investigation
- Monitoring archaeological works
- Mediating between clients and archaeological contractors
- Preparing research agendas within the planning process
- Enhancing the Historic Environment Record as a planning tool and public record
- Promoting dissemination of results from archaeological investigations
GMAAS does not carry out fieldwork projects or undertake commercial consultancy work, which is carried out by professional archaeological contractors, although GMAAS is always pleased to provide advice on appropriate methods and scope of investigating sites.
GMAAS is a member of the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO).
THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT RECORD
The Greater Manchester Historic Environment Record, maintained by GMAAS, is a Geographical Information System (GIS) and linked database of more than 19,000 records relating to known sites of cultural heritage interest. It also includes the recently completed Greater Manchester Historic Landscape Characterisation survey (of c. 54,000 records), and is supported by an extensive paper archive including reports, site records and publications, which are all held by GMAAS.
GREATER MANCHESTER ARCHAEOLOGY
Greater Manchester has an extraordinarily important and diverse history, which is reflected in a rich historic environment of archaeological sites, monuments and buildings, museum collections of national and international importance, and historical archives, records and in particular the Historic Environment Record.
The historic environment assets of Greater Manchester include: prehistoric burial mounds and hillforts; Roman forts; medieval townscapes and the post-medieval legacy of the region’s industrial past (such as canals, railways and textile mills), which together provide a rich resource for archaeological enquiry, study, management and development.
Enquiries relating to accessing Historic Environment Records, archaeological planning advice, and charges, where appropriate, can be made through gmaas@salford.ac.uk.
Meet the team
BA (hons), FSA
Heritage Management Director
e: i.f.miller@salford.ac.uk
t: 0161 295 4467
m: 07533 252 442
BA (hons), MLitt
Senior Planning Archaeologist
e: b.j.dyson@salford.ac.uk
t: 0161 295 6917
m: 07934 903 149
BSc (hons), MSc
Historic Environment Record Officer
e: l.dunkley@salford.ac.uk
t: 0161 295 6910
