The planning authorities have an obligation to consider the potential historical and archaeological impact of a proposed development, and can impose an obligation on the developer for a professional archaeological investigation (funded by the developer) prior to construction, as a condition of approving the development.
Or in other words: "We know this site is teeming with archaeology. You don't get to trash it unless you pay for a proper dig before you start"
Or in other words: "We know this site is teeming with archaeology. You don't get to trash it unless you pay for a proper dig before you start"