Local authorities have responsibilities for the protection and recording of sites and monuments as described in planning policy guidance 16 - archaeology and planning (see link to right). The desirability of preserving an ancient monument or its setting is a material consideration in determining planning applications, whether the monument is scheduled or not.
The council does not employ an archaeolgist but supports the Greater Manchester archaeological unit (GMAU) and relies upon its service for all archaeological advice. GMAU maintains a database of archaeological sites. This contains chance finds, burial remains, historic buildings, parks and gardens and industrial monuments. You can contact the the GMAU at the Department of Archaeology, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, telephone 0161 275 2321or through the link to their web site to the right.