Land at Rylston, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex. Archaeological Evaluation (OASIS ID: heritage1-255159)
The Heritage Network, 2018. https://doi.org/10.5284/1048325. How to cite using this DOI
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- ADS Collection: 3237
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1048325
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
In response to a planning condition on the redevelopment of land at Rylston, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex, E4 7RG, the Heritage Network was commissioned by ISL Planning Service, acting on behalf of Theori Investments Ltd. to undertake a programme of archaeological investigation. Planning permission for the development (EPF/0099/16) was granted by Epping Forest District Council, subject to a standard archaeological condition. A full specification for the work carried out , following guidance set out in the Archaeological brief (MM 1/6/2016), is contained in the Heritage Network's approved Project Design dated June 2016 (Phillips 2016).The site is situated approximately 2.5km to the south of the M25 and at the southern end of Sewardstone. It is located on the west side of the A112, directly opposite Chapelfield Nursery.
The proposed development entailed the demolition of the two existing dwellings on the site and the erection of eight new dwellings in four blocks with ancillary access, car parking and services. four trial trenches were planned. Prior to the commencement of the evaluation, development had already started on site and thus technically breaching the terms of the planning consent. Through communication with the HEA at Essex County Council a redesigned evaluation was undertaken, which consisted of four trenches spread across the site. The trenches demonstrated a substantial amount of modern made ground spread across the entire site. This material became thicker from east to west, suggesting that the ground originally sloped and has been intentionally leveled. Below this material solid geology was revealed. Modern features were observed cutting into the natural. However, no archaeological features, deposits or finds were encountered during the course of the investigation. On this basis, the risk that the proposed development might disturb archaeological remains of any significance may be considered to be Low for all periods.
