Urban Planning — Archaeological Annex — Greater Poitiers Trade Data

Preventive archaeology consists of detecting and safeguarding elements of the archaeological heritage affected or likely to be affected and destroyed by public or private development works.

Archaeological remains are relatively well protected as long as they remain buried in the ground, and for the vast majority of them there is no information available, whether by texts, old or recent iconography (maps, plans, aerial photographs, etc.).
The facilities concerned by preventive archaeology
These are constructions or works, the location of which is located in an area known for its “archaeological sensitivity”:

— concerted development areas (zac) and subdivisions with an area of more than 3 hectares
— works subject to declaration or authorisation under the Urbanism Code
— improvements and works subject to impact assessment (roads, landfills, quarries, etc.)
— works on buildings classified as historical monuments.

The prefect of the region — by delegation the regional archaeology department (sra) within the Regional Directorates for Cultural Affairs (DRAC) — may issue a diagnostic prescription outside these areas if he has information indicating that a project is likely to affect elements of the archaeological heritage. The diagnostic prescription is not systematic.