| Abstract: |
The assessment will: • Define the principal sources of information available for archaeological assessment (Section 3). • Present a catalogue (Section 4) and chronological synthesis (Section 5) of archaeological data derived from various sources. Accompanying base maps will locate established structures and features within, or in close proximity to, the assessment area. • Provide an assessment of archaeological potential and likely direct and indirect impacts upon the proposed development site and with respect to the setting of other heritage assets in its wider environs (Section 6). • Provide conclusions with respect to the known and potential archaeological significance of the assessment area (Section 7). • Recommend further work to define more clearly the nature of the archaeological record and facilitate management or mitigation of this resource (Section 8). There is no known artefactual evidence for early human activity within the bounds of the assessment area, but activity in the vicinity is well-attested, notably including a likely example on low-lying land south of the current site (see Cat. No. 07) which survives as sub-surface features revealed as cropmarks. Evidence for occupation during the early medieval period is also scant, but in view of documentary evidence must be considered likely, while later medieval settlement at Ingram is well-attested by documentary records which indicate the existence of a church, manor house, associated cottages, a forge, a mill, and brewhouse by the 13th century. Evidence from geophysical survey and excavation provides some confirmation of this with finds form the rectory gardens and land to the south of the church and churchyard, but there is little to suggest a continuation of this activity into the site of assessment towards the site of the medieval mill, east of the church and Rectory. While there are no sites of recognised cultural heritage significance within the development site, a single linear feature, visible as a cropmark running east-west through the site, may be of significance if not identified as a modern service trench or remains of a field boundary. It is considered relatively likely, in view of the absence of known episodes of disturbance to much of the site, that any significant archaeological remains present within the site survive reasonably well below ground, although past ploughing activities are likely to have damaged them. In summary, it is considered that there is moderate potential for the survival of archaeological remains on the site which would be directly impacted negatively by any groundworks associated with new development. In terms of the visual impacts of the proposed development it is not considered likely, based on intervisibility with local heritage assets of high value, that there will be a significant negative visual impact upon other designated and non-designated heritage assets in the vicinity. In view of the potential for unknown archaeological remains to survive underground it is recommended that, should any significant groundworks such as foundation trenching or extensive ground reduction be proposed at any stage within the site, a programme of invasive evaluation should be undertaken to evaluate their character and extent, thereby facilitating production of a suitable mitigation strategy. Accordingly, a single trench should be excavated over the site of the proposed new build extending to include the central linear east-west feature visible as a cropmark and slight earthwork, unless the latter can be proven by other means to be of entirely modern origin. |
