| Abstract: |
The cultural heritage implications of the proposed development were considered. A full programme of assessment and evaluation was undertaken following the staged approach recommended in PPG16. This involved a desk-based assessment, followed by geophysical survey and trial trenching. Consultation was undertaken at each stage with the County Archaeologist. An assessment of the impact of the proposed development on the \r\narchaeological resource was made. There would be no impacts on nationally important archaeological remains, including Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The nearest Scheduled Ancient Monument was Taunton Castle (SAM 22851), which was not visible from the proposed development area. There would be no direct or indirect impacts on Listed Buildings or Conservation Areas. Over the proposed development area as a whole, relatively little archaeology was found, with large parts of the proposed development site containing few or no archaeological remains. The portion of the proposed development area to the north west of the A38 road contained no significant archaeological remains. A number of archaeological sites were revealed to the south west of the A38 road, however. West of Manor Farm, in an area proposed for residential development, a ditch contained two \r\nsherds of Iron Age pottery. No other features were dated to this period but the potential for Iron Age activity could not be excluded. The area was of local archaeological importance and mitigation comprising monitoring of soil stripping during construction was proposed, neutralising the mitigated impact. North of Hyde Lane, a number of linear responses and pit anomalies were recorded during the geophysical survey. The trial trenching characterised archaeology in the form of pits and gullies or ditches. These were very shallow and poorly preserved. The features contained no dating evidence, neither was any unstratified material discovered from the trenches. The area was of local archaeological importance. Monitoring of spoil stripping was proposed, followed by recording of archaeological remains, with appropriate reporting, archiving etc., neutralising the mitigated impact in the southern part of the proposed development area. These were proposed for preservation in situ, as was a group of medieval or post medieval features north of the canal and east of the A38 road. The area to the north of the canal was proposed for open space. A number of features, \r\ninterpreted as post medieval or later field boundaries were found in this area. Of particular interest with Area 7 was a group of prehistoric features. This activity dated from the Neolithic through to the late Bronze Age to at least the mid Iron Age. Few remains of Bronze Age \r\nand earlier date had been recorded in the locality and the area was considered to be of regional archaeological importance. A significant part of Area 7 had been removed from the development boundary. For the remaining area, whilst the development proposed in this area would have an impact on archaeology, the mitigation proposals put forward ensured the proper recording of any remains. [Au(adp)] |
