| Abstract: |
A desk-based assessment (ASUD 2012) had identified the potential for remains of archaeological interest to be present within the proposed development site located at Evenwood Lane, Evenwood Gate, Co. Durham, centred at NGR NZ 16197 24280. Durham County Council Archaeology Section recommended that a programme of evaluation needed to be undertaken prior to determination, in order to enable an informed decision on the application (planning application ref: DM/15/00210/OUT). The works comprised the excavation of two archaeological trial trenches measuring 20m x 2m, and was originally designed to form a single ‘T’ shaped trench, targeting the foundations of the proposed residential properties within the development area. Works were limited to an evaluation of the east part of the site due to the level of tree and vegetation cover within the western part. The trench location had been agreed in advance of excavation during consultations with Durham County Council, however once on site the full extent of disturbance, tree cover, standing wooden structures, and dumping led to adjustments in the trench layout shifting from a ‘T’ to ‘X’ shape within the same location. The excavated trench area comprised 80m², with each ‘branch’ of the trench measuring approximately 10m in length and 2m in width. No archaeological features or deposits were identified, with the shallow topsoil and subsoil deposits suggestive of the removal of material from the site, possibly following the abandonment of the 1960s allotment plots. The gently
sloping topography of the site, rising in elevation east-west, may indicate more limited soil clearance within the western extent of the site. Whilst this means that the ground conditions within the western part of the site might be more conducive to a better potential for survival of archaeological deposits, the scale of vegetation, tree cover and modern disturbance is likely to have resulted in the total or partial loss of any potential remains in this area. |
