| Abstract: |
Border Archaeology (BA) has been instructed by Michael Jones Architects Ltd to undertake an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment (ADBA) with regards to a planning application for the refurbishment and extension of St Mary’s Church Hall, Addington, Croydon CR0 5AS (NGR: TQ 37047 63977).
This ADBA assesses the impact of the proposed development on archaeological (buried) remains. It forms an initial stage of investigation and may be required so that the local planning authority can formulate an appropriate response in the light of the impact upon any known or potential heritage assets, defined as parts of the historic environment considered significant because of their historic, evidential or aesthetic and/or communal interest. The summary description of the development is based on architects’ drawings and information supplied by the client in September 2022. Subsequent publication of revised proposals and specifications for the proposed development, together with updated plans and elevation drawings, may necessitate revisions to this report and the conclusions reached.
In brief, the proposed works involve the refurbishment of the existing Church Hall and construction of a small extension at the NW corner of the Hall housing a café and seating area with a terraced area to the rear..
Potential impacts on archaeological remains could include the excavation of foundation trenching for the construction of the new extension (which are anticipated to be strip foundations) Strip foundations would entail the removal of any archaeological remains within the footprint of each excavated strip to a typical depth of 1.0–1.5m below existing ground level as assumed for the purposes of this assessment. It is possible that the bases of archaeological features such as pits or ditches would remain intact beneath these impact levels but their context could be lost. Other potential impacts on sub-surface remains could include the excavation of trenching for services including drainage and utilities.
In view of the likely shallow depth of superficial deposits overlying the natural gravels and chalk bedrock in this area, based on the evidence of geotechnical records and archaeological fieldwork nearby, it is possible that archaeological deposits may be encountered at a shallow depth (possibly c.0.30-0.90m bgl). It should also be considered that any extant remains may have been disturbed, perhaps heavily, by the construction of Home Farm in the late 18th/19th century and subsequent groundworks associated with the building of the existing Church Hall in the late 1960s. However, as there has been no prior investigation within the site, the extent and depth of truncation of archaeological remains within the site remains undetermined.
Overall Conclusions
The overall potential of the site in archaeological terms has thus been assessed as Moderate to High with particular reference to encountering evidence of prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval remains, reflecting the location of the site within an Archaeological Priority Area. The potential for Romano-British remains has been assessed as Moderate. However, it is BA’s considered opinion that, prima facie, based on the available evidence, the archaeological potential of the site does not present an impediment to the development.
Recommendations: It is respectfully suggested that a programme of archaeological work, the details of which to be agreed with Croydon Council and the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service, will be necessary to determine the extent, depth and significance of buried archaeological features and deposits in the vicinity of the site. |
