Oakes Farm
Oakes Farm Carlton Colville, Suffolk Client: Darnton B3 Architects Ltd Date: April 2016 Desk-Based Assessment SACIC Report No. 2016/028 Author: Simon Picard © SACIC
Oakes Farm, Carlton Colville Desk-Based Assessment SACIC Report No. 2016/028 Author: Simon Picard Illustrator: Simon Picard Editor: Jo Caruth Report Date: April/2016
HER Information Site Name:
Oakes Farm, Carlton Colville, Suffolk
Report Number
2016/028
Planning Application No:
N/A
Grid Reference:
TM 5019 9028
Oasis Reference:
suffolka1-247360
Curatorial Officer:
N/A
Client/Funding Body:
Darnton 3B Architects Ltd
Digital report submitted to Archaeological Data Service: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/greylit
Disclaimer Any opinions expressed in this report about the need for further archaeological work are those of Suffolk Archaeology CIC. Ultimately the need for further work will be determined by the Local Planning Authority and its Archaeological Advisors when a planning application is registered. Suffolk Archaeology CIC cannot accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to the clients should the Planning Authority take a different view to that expressed in the report.
Contents Summary List of Abbreviations used in the text
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1.
1
Introduction
1.1
Project Background
1
1.2
Site description
1
1.3
Topography and geology
3
1.4
Scope of this report
4
1.5
Aims
4
1.6
Methods
4
1.7
Legislative frameworks
5
National legislation or policy
5
2.
7
Results
2.1
Suffolk HER search
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2.2
All known archaeological sites within the PDA
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2.3
All known archaeological sites within 1km from the centre of the PDA
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Neolithic (BC 4,000 – BC 2,351)
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Bronze Age (BC 2,350 – BC 801)
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Iron Age (BC 800 – 43 AD)
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General Prehistoric
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Anglo-Saxon (410 AD – 1065 AD)
10
Medieval (1066 AD – 1539 AD)
10
Post Medieval (1540 AD – 1900 AD)
10
World War 2 (1939 AD – 1945 AD)
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Undated 11 2.4 Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Conservation Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 20 Listed Buildings
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Scheduled Ancient Monuments
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Conservation Areas
24
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
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2.5
Historic map search
24
2.6
Site walkover
25
3.
Assessment of impacts and effects
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3.1
The archaeological potential of the PDA
34
3.2
Potential level of archaeological preservation within the PDA
35
3.3
Assessment of the impact of the development on the archaeological resource 36
4.
Mitigation measures
37
5.
Conclusions
38
6.
List of contributors and acknowledgements
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List of Figures Figure 1. Location map with PDA in grey
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Figure 2. Contour plan
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Figure 3. HER monument entries within the PDA
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Figure 4. Prehistoric HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 5. Anglo Saxon HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 6. Medieval HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 7. Post medieval HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 8. World War 2 HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 9. Undated HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 10. Cropmarks shown on aerial photography within the 1km study area
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Figure 11. Listed Buildings within the 1km study area
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Figure 12. Hodskinson’s map of Suffolk 1783 with the PDA shown in red
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Figure 13. First Edition Ordnance Survey map
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Figure 14. Second Edition Ordnance Survey map
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Figure 15. Third Edition Ordnance Survey map
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Figure 16. Modern Ordnance Survey map
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List of Plates Plate 1. Eastern field with Carlton Grove to the left, looking northwest ....................... 31 Plate 2. Southeastern field with looking south ............................................................. 31 Plate 3. Western field showing localised undulation, looking southwest ...................... 32 Plate 4. Western field showing footpath, looking west ................................................. 32 Plate 5. Northeastern field, looking southwest ............................................................. 33 Plate 6. Northwestern field, looking northeast ............................................................. 33
List of Abbreviations used in the text DBA
Desk Based Assessment
HER
Historic Environment Record
LPA
Local Planning Authority
NHLE
National Heritage List for England
NPPF
National Planning Policy Framework
PDA
Proposed Development Area
PPG 16
Planning Policy Guidance 16
SAM
Scheduled Ancient Monument
SSSI
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Summary This archaeological Desk Based Assessment (DBA) has been undertaken to inform the planning process in advance of the proposed development of an Outdoor Sports and Leisure facility at Oakes Farm, Carlton Colville, Suffolk. This DBA includes an examination of the Suffolk Historic Environment Record (HER), an aerial photographic survey, a historic cartographic search and a site inspection.
The DBA has placed the Proposed Development Area (PDA) within its immediate archaeological landscape and has identified moderate potential for the preservation of archaeological deposits from the medieval and post-medieval periods and low to moderate potential for Anglo-Saxon remains. The PDA has been placed in a wider prehistoric landscape with low to moderate potential for the preservation of remains relating to the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age periods.
It is suggested that further archaeological investigation, consisting of geophysical survey and trial trench evaluation, be carried out in order to accurately identify and assess the extent, character, density, depth and level of preservation of any archaeological deposits within the PDA, prior to, or during, submission of a planning application.
Consultation with the LPA’s archaeological advisor, is recommended at the earliest possible opportunity to determine the actual program of any further archaeological works required.
1.
Introduction
1.1
Project Background
This archaeological DBA has been prepared by Simon Picard of Suffolk Archaeology CIC for Darnton B3 Architecture.
This DBA is the first stage of a programme of archaeological works to access the archaeological potential of the PDA.
1.2
Site description
The subject of this DBA covers an area of approximately 32.18ha centred at TM 5019 9028, in the parish of Carlton Colville (Fig. 1). It is situated to the west of the main residential centre of the parish and close to its historic core.
The PDA itself is roughly rectangular and covers six fields currently predominantly in cultivation, although it does include two large stands of trees both centrally and to the north. It is bounded to the north by the A146 Beccles to Lowestoft road and to the south and west by open farmland. Its eastern edge borders a caravan site, a transport museum and a pumping station and has a rectangular spur projecting eastwards from the main body of the PDA to meet the A1145 at a roundabout.
A site visit was made on April 1st to determine the presence of any factors likely to impact on the overall assessment of the archaeological potential of the PDA.
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Figure 1. Location map with PDA in grey
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1.3
Topography and geology
The PDA is located 1.9km to the southeast of the River Waveney and approximately 800m to the southeast of the marshes on its southern floodplain between 7m and 15m above the Ordnance Datum (Fig. 2). It is generally flat but with some localised undulations and a gentle north facing slope at the northern edge as ground levels fall to meet the edge of the floodplain.
The bedrock geology is described as Red Crag Formation Sand, formed approximately 2 to 4 million years ago in the Quaternary and Neogene Periods, deposited as mud, silt, sand and gravel in shallow seas. Superficial deposits are predominantly Lowestoft Formation of chalky till together with outwash sands and gravels, silts and clays with Happisburgh Glacigenic Formation along the northern boundary; sandier and less chalky than the younger, overlying Lowestoft Formation this consists of diamictons, sands and gravels, sands and laminated silts and clays (BGS 2016).
Figure 2. Contour plan
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1.4
Scope of this report
In order to set the PDA in its archaeological context a study area of a 1km radius from its centre was selected for examination (Figs. 3 to 9).
In accordance with the NPPF, the Government’s guidance on archaeology and planning, this assessment examines the available archaeological sources. These include the Suffolk HER, reports of any archaeological investigations, all readily available cartographic sources, an aerial photographic survey and a site walkover.
1.5
Aims
To determine as far as reasonably practicable from the existing records, the previous land use, the nature of the archaeological resource and the potential resource within the PDA.
1.6
Methods
The methodology involved interrogating the following sources of data to meet the aims of this DBA.
A search of the Suffolk HER for any records within 1km from the centre of the PDA. The results are described and mapped in the main body of the report, Section 2.
An examination of the literature with reference to archaeological excavations within the study area.
A search for listed buildings that may have a line of sight to the PDA was carried out. A summary is presented in the main report, Section 2.
An assessment of all cartographic sources relevant to the PDA to identify historic land use, the siting of old boundaries and earlier buildings, Section 2.
An aerial photographic survey was commissioned and the archives held at Suffolk County Council HER the National Monuments Record Office at Swindon and the Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photographs were examined. The results are summarised in the main report, Section 2.
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A site walkover was conducted on 01/04/2016, for which notes and digital photographs were taken.
1.7
Legislative frameworks
National legislation or policy NPPF National Planning Policy Framework (which replaced PPS5 in March 2012, which in turn had replaced various guidance such as PPG 15 and PPG 16) provides guidance for planning authorities, developers and others on planning and the historic environment (paragraphs 128 & 129 below).
128. In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation.
129. Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this assessment into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal. Scheduled Monuments The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979 statutorily protects Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and their settings as nationally important sites. There are no SAMs within 1 km of this PDA.
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Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Listed buildings are protected under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act of 1990. This ensures that listed buildings are given statutory protection against unauthorised demolition, alteration and extension. Buildings are listed because they are of special architectural importance, due to their architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship; also because they are of historical interest. This includes buildings that illustrate important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or military history or have a close association with nationally important persons or events. There are seven listed buildings within the study area (Fig. 10).
Conservation Areas are designated for their special architectural and historic interest, usually by the local planning authority. Any alterations to properties, structures, trees etc. in a conservation area may need permission from the local planning authority. There are no conservation areas within the study area. Registered Parks and Gardens A Registered Park or Garden is a site included on the 'Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England’ which is maintained by English Heritage. It currently identifies over 1,600 sites assessed to be of national importance. Registration is a ‘material consideration’ in the planning process, meaning that planning authorities must consider the impact of any proposed development on the special character of a registered park or garden. There are no Registered Parks or Gardens within the study area. Site of Special Scientific Interest A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an area that has been notified as being of special interest under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, due to its flora, fauna or geological or geomorphological features. There are no SSSI’s within the study area.
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2.
Results
2.1
Suffolk HER search
A search of the Suffolk HER within a radius of 1km from the centre of the PDA was undertaken. This identified a total of thirty-eight monument records within the study area and these are shown on figures 4 to 8 with the results presented below. Also included are the results of an aerial photographic survey carried out by the National Mapping Programme which have subsequently been recorded on the Suffolk HER.
It should be noted that the HER only represents the archaeological material that has been reported, this is the ‘known’ resource. It is not, therefore, a complete reflection of the whole archaeological resource of this area because other sites may remain undiscovered, this is considered as the ‘potential’ resource.
2.2
All known archaeological sites within the PDA
There are two monuments recorded within the PDA itself, both of which relate to cropmarks showing field boundary ditches visible on an aerial photographic survey carried out by the National Mapping Programme and recorded on the Suffolk HER (Figs. 3 and 10). The smaller of the two entries is fully encompassed within the PDA and covers approximately 2000m2 (CAC 057 - MSX27621). This is currently undated and shows two ditches aligned northeast to southwest, 10m apart, to the east of the centre of the PDA, although it is possible that these actually relate to underlying drainage schemes rather than an archaeological asset. The larger monument (CAC 056 – MSX27620) covers nearly 52ha including the northern portion of the PDA and extending to the west and northwest. Both ditches and banks can be seen on aerial photographs and these may be of medieval to post medieval date as a significant number of these boundaries can be seen, or related to those, on the First Edition Ordnance Survey and also within the extant field system. It should be noted that the road which bounds the PDA to the north also appears to respect the alignment of the banks shown within the PDA. This curve can also be seen on Hodskinson’s map of 1783 which would suggest that these earthworks both predate the road and were significant enough to be avoided through the evolution of the road. It is possible that they represent an estate or park boundary.
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Figure 3. HER monument entries within the PDA
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2.3
All known archaeological sites within 1km from the centre of the
PDA Neolithic (BC 4,000 – BC 2,351) There is one entry on the HER for the Neolithic period, a number of pits and postholes identified during evaluation and subsequent excavation at St Peter’s Road (CAC 030 MSF21354) c. 800m to the east of the site (Fig. 4). However, a deliberate deposit of three Neolithic polished stone axes was recovered during an excavation to the north (CAC 020, see below), although their deposition date is unclear.
Bronze Age (BC 2,350 – BC 801) The evaluation and excavation carried out at St Peter’s Road (CAC 030) also provides the only record on the HER within the study area attributed to the Bronze Age, a small group of pits containing Beaker type pottery (Fig. 4).
Iron Age (BC 800 – 43 AD) Evidence of Iron Age activity was also recorded at St Peter’s Street (CAC 030) 800m to the east (Fig. 4). Five further entries on the HER attest to activity in the Iron Age within the study area. Excavations during 1998 and 1999 c.750m to the east northeast of the PDA at Beccles Road (CAC 020 – MSF18679) found some postholes and Iron Age pottery. Although interpreted as an Iron Age site on the HER, as mentioned above, a hoard of three Neolithic polished stone axes was also recovered, although as stated before, their deposition date is unclear. To the south, c.450m to the east of the PDA, an excavation at Chapel Road (CAC 025 – MSF25502) identified low levels of Iron Age activity, including an Iron Age ditch, while dispersed pits containing Early Iron Age pottery were uncovered during an evaluation further to the east, c.780m from the PDA (CAC 031 – MSF21928). A scatter of possible Iron Age pottery was found during fieldwalking to the west of the church, c.750m to the east southeast of the PDA, during 2003 (CAC 034 – MSF22171). Near to the site of the fieldwalking is the findspot of an Iron Age silver ‘Bury Tribe’ type coin (CAC Misc – MSF1059).
General Prehistoric Three records on the HER relate to the general prehistoric period (Fig. 4); excavation during the Carlton Park development in 1999 identified prehistoric features and finds c.450m to east northeast of the PDA (CAC 017 – MSF19641) while further to the east
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an evaluation at Beccles Road identified prehistoric features and finds (CAC 018 – MSF18678). An evaluation to the south of Carlton Hall, c.750m to the east of the PDA, also identified prehistoric features (CAC 043 – MSF24179).
Anglo-Saxon (410 AD – 1065 AD) There are also three records on the HER pertaining to the Anglo-Saxon period (Fig. 5), two of which are multiphase sites; an Early Saxon ditch along with Late Saxon ditches and pits were identified at St Peter’s Street (CAC 030) and a Late Saxon ditch is recorded to the south of Carlton Hall (CAC 043) along with Saxon pits and postholes. An evaluation carried out to the west of Carlton Hall, c.640m to the east of the PDA, identified several pits and ditches of possible Late Saxon to medieval date (CAC 049 – MSF26829).
Medieval (1066 AD – 1539 AD) The majority of the six entries on the HER which relate to the medieval period are multi period sites (Fig. 6). Possible buildings have been identified at two of the sites, (CAC 017 and CAC 025) along with ditches and pits, while medieval finds and features were also identified during evaluations (CAC 018 and CAC 043). A scatter of medieval pottery was found during fieldwalking (CAC 034) to the west of the medieval Church of St Peter (c.820m to the east southeast of the centre of the PDA, CAC 011 – MSF13874).
Post Medieval (1540 AD – 1900 AD) Two records of post medieval monuments have been made within the study area; a milepost on the current A146 and the extant Carlton Hall (BNB Misc – MSF22758 and CAC 004 – MSF1568 respectively, Fig. 7). The milepost, c.950m to the west northwest of the PDA, was recorded on the Ordnance Survey map published in 1954 but had disappeared by the 1972 edition. Built in 1736 on the site of the medieval building, Carlton Hall is c.730m to the east of the PDA, and is also a Grade II Listed Building.
World War 2 (1939 AD – 1945 AD) There are four entries which relate to the Second World War within the study area (Fig. 8), one of which is an extant structure; approximately 770m to the east southeast of the centre of the PDA is a Type 22 Pillbox, positioned on the edge of the road which leads inland to Mutford (CAC 060 – MSX276). Visible on aerial photographs and 160m to the
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north east of the Pillbox (and 890m from the PDA) is the site of a Second World War Slit Trench and Weapon Pit (CAC 068 – MSX27785). This is in addition to further Slit Trenches visible on aerial photographs 480m to the north (840m to the northeast of the PDA, CAC 062 – MSX27633). Aerial photographs taken during the 1940s show structures in the playground of Carlton Colville Primary School, c.820m to the southeast of the PDA, which may be surface air raid shelters for the staff and pupils (CAC 054 – MSX275). These were still visible into the 1950s and so may have been reused as, or actually be, temporary classrooms, toilet blocks or pavilions.
Undated Fifteen further entries on the HER relate to undated monuments (Fig. 9). An evaluation carried out c.630m to the east of the PDA during the Carlton Park development identified several undated shallow features (CAC 032 – MSF21929) while on the edge of the search area, c.950m to the southeast, an undated stag’s head handle was found at Beverley Court (CAC Misc – MSF14980). The remainder of the undated records relate to cropmarks shown by aerial photography. Although these have not been subject to archaeological investigation some of them can be tentatively assigned to different periods by their morphology and location.
Approximately 300m to the east of the centre of the PDA cropmarks of a square or rectilinear enclosure with possible associated ditches are visible (CAC 058 – MSX27622). Nearby evidence of Iron Age and Roman activity (CAC 025, CAC 029 and CAC 031) together with the shape of the cropmarks could suggest an Iron Age date for this enclosure, although a medieval date could also be suggested due to its proximity to Carlton Hall and other medieval activity (CAC 017). More prehistoric activity may be in evidence further to the east, 950m from the PDA and at the edge of the study area, where a possible ring ditch has been tentatively identified (CAC 070 – MSX27663). The cropmarks of a field system generally on a different alignment to the surviving post medieval boundaries are visible 600m to the south of the PDA (CAC 065 – MSX27673) which correspond to an area of cropmarks associated with Late Iron Age to Roman finds in the neighbouring parish of Gisleham (GSE 077). However, it is possible that these cropmarks are related to the medieval period with some aspects of the medieval landscape respected, such as Priory Lane. This suggests the possibility of changes to the wider field system boundaries in the post medieval period.
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A number of sites interpreted as being medieval to post medieval have been identified through aerial photography (Fig 10). Two areas of cropmarks of ditches and banks have been recorded to the north of the PDA on the southern edge of the Waveney floodplain, c.820m to the north (CAC 072 – MSX27658) and c.950 to the northwest (CAC 073 – MSX27660). Immediately to the east of the PDA a possible moated site has been identified through vegetation marks. These show an L-shaped ditch which adjoins existing post medieval boundaries to form a small enclosure (CAC 059 – MSX276). Cropmarks which have been interpreted as being related to Carlton Hall and a possible associated park are recorded c.450m to the east (CAC 067 – MSX27786). The presence of possible green-edge settlement on the eastern edge of the park alongside Hollow Lane has been suggested but the evidence for this is inconclusive. The area defined by this record covers approximately 19.5ha and encompasses a total of seven archaeological investigations of various dates. On the eastern edge of the study area, approximately 910m from the PDA, a second large area of cropmarks encompassing the site of an archaeological investigation is recorded (CAC 063 – MSX27638) with evidence of both Roman and Medieval enclosures having been recorded. With some shown on the First Edition Ordnance Survey it is likely that these cropmarks relate to multiple periods of activity. A possible rectilinear enclosure with field boundary ditches or trackways is recorded 400m to the south of the PDA (CAC 076 – MSX27672) with alignments which suggest a medieval to post medieval date. Similarly, c.500m to the west southwest ditches can be seen which relate to the medieval to post medieval field system shown on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1884 (CAC 077 – MSX27671).
Three further sites identified through aerial photography have not been assigned to a particular period, two of which are fragmentary or unclear. To the east, c.740m, a possible rectilinear enclosure with associated field boundaries or trackways has been recorded, although the cropmarks are not clear enough to have been confidently interpreted (CAC 066 – MSX27784). Approximately 850m to the west northwest fragmentary cropmarks suggestive of field boundaries have been recorded on the edge of the study area (CAC 074 – MSX27661). The cropmark of a perfect oval, measuring circa 70m by 50m, is recorded approximately 500m to the south of the PDA (CAC 012 – MSX27670) which, although undated, may be prehistoric in origin.
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Figure 4. Prehistoric HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 5. Anglo Saxon HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 6. Medieval HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 7. Post medieval HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 8. World War 2 HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 9. Undated HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 10. Cropmarks shown on aerial photography within the 1km study area (Ditches shown in blue and banks in red)
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2.4
Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Conservation
Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Listed Buildings A search carried out on the Suffolk HER and on the NHLE website shows there are seven Listed Buildings within 1km of the PDA. One is Grade II*, the parish church of St Peter, and the remaining six are Grade II (Fig. 11). Six of the seven Listed Buildings are located to the east of the PDA with the seventh being to the north and the HER entries for these are summarised below. Church of St Peter, NHLE No.1352577 The Grade II* listed parish church of St Peter is approximately 530m from the eastern edge of the PDA. This was largely rebuilt in 1884 in Decorated style with a nave, chancel (with organ chamber), south porch, north vestry and the surviving medieval west tower. It is constructed from random, mainly knapped, flint with stone admixture and stone dressings and has plaintiled roofs. The surviving tower is largely fourteenth century, although the lower portion (with a lancet west window) may be earlier, and is square with 3-stage diagonal buttresses to the west, 2-light bell-chamber openings and a crenelated parapet with flushwork. The nave has four bays with mainly Decorated style windows; at the west end are two 2-light windows in Perpendicular style (south) and a renewed twelfth century window (north). The porch and vestry are entirely of 1883-4. The chancel has three bays with 2- light windows, some perhaps re-used and a 3-light east window. The interior shows a scissor-braced rafter roof to the nave and a boarded wagon roof to the chancel, both of which are late nineteenth century. In the south sanctuary is a piscina with cusped ogee arch. The octagonal carved font is fifteenth century and stands on a 2-stepped base with four lions against the stem, angels to the underside of the bowl, and alternate angels and lions on the bowl panels. The Rookery, NHLE No.1032068 Approximately 150m from the northern edge of the PDA, this is a two storey Grade II listed house with an attic with a seventeenth century core with later eighteenth century alterations and an early nineteenth century facade and rear wing. The façade is white brick with red brick to the rear and mid twentieth century pebbledash render to the gable ends. The roof is pantiled and hipped to the right, with glazed black tiles to the front. Its façade has four windows with inset sashes with glazing bars under flat brick arches; the
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2 centre bays are slightly inset. It has a 6-panel raised and fielded door with a mid twentieth century pedimented doorcase. Internal stack and gable end stack to left. The left hand gable end has a first floor moulded brick string course, now rendered over. There are curved screen walls of red brick, each with a semi-circular arched opening and terminating in a square pier with stone ball finial. Good dog-leg closed-string stair with slender turned balusters; panelled dado. Exposed joisting to main ground floor room. Carlton Hall and Barn, NHLE Nos.1032070 and 1352579 There are two entries regarding Carlton Hall, c.500 from the eastern edge of the PDA, both of which are Grade II listed, the first is the hall itself and the second is a barn standing approximately 10m from the Hall.
Carlton Hall is a double pile plan two storey house with the rear range dating from 1736 with the front range being mid nineteenth century. It has a white brick façade with the ground floor (including the porch) stuccoed, with banded rustication. The left hand gable ends are also stuccoed while the remainder is red brick. The roof is slated to the front with pantiles to the rear. It has a three windowed facade, with the windows being largepaned sashes with blind boxes, the first floor windows have stucco surrounds. The entrance porch has a 4-panel door (the upper panels with leaded glazing) and a plain rectangular fanlight. It has gable end chimney stacks and a nineteenth century conservatory is attached to the left. It is on the site of the manor house, whose destruction is recorded by the parish register: ‘On Sunday, April 18, 1736, Carleton Hall, bakehouse, barn, and stables were burnt down by a foul chimney taking fire.'
Approximately 10m to the northeast of Carlton Hall is a red brick barn, with chequer pattern in dark headers, also dated to 1736, this can be seen in dark headers on the gable end facing the house. It has a pantiled roof and four bays, with an integral aisle on the north side. On the south side the bays either side of the entrance bay have four segmental-arched ventilation openings, each comprising a chequerwork with alternate bricks omitted. The westernmost bay (now obscured by a later outbuilding) was treated differently and probably had an intermediate floor. There are pilaster strips between the bays, an intermediate brick band and a heavy corbel cornice. Parapet gable ends with brick bands. The roof has stepped butt purlins. An unusually ornate barn, built to replace the one destroyed by fire in the same year.
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The Old Rectory and Serpentine Wall, NHLE Nos.1032069 and 1352578 On the eastern edge of the study area c.750m from the eastern edge of the PDA stands the Grade II listed Old Rectory and an associated length of Serpentine Wall which is also Grade II listed. As is suggested by its name this is the former rectory. Generally eighteenth century it has a fragmentary sixteenth to seventeenth century timber framed core and a late nineteenth century addition to the rear and has two storeys and an attic. It is constructed with colour washed brick and is rendered at the rear with a roof of glazed black pantiles. Its facade has four windows which are unevenly spaced with sashes with glazing bars in flush frames to the first floor and later segmental-arched inset sashes to the ground floor, with a canted bay window to the right. It has a wide inset doorway with a late nineteenth century 4-panel door (the upper panels glazed) and matching side lights and a late nineteenth century applied stone doorcase in Gothic style with carved spandrels. It has wooden modillion eaves cornice and 2 internal chimney stacks. Attached to the northwest corner of The Old Rectory is a length of late eighteenth century serpentine wall. This extends to the northeast of the road frontage for approximately 30m before a short return attaches to the house. Constructed using red brick in stretcher bond with brick copings the wall is for the most part about 2m high, although part of the return section, part of which is straight, is taller. K1 Telephone Kiosk at East Anglian Transport Museum, NHLE No.1051978 This is Grade II listed and dates from 1921. It was restored and re-erected in c.1984 as an exhibit at the East Anglia Transport Museum and is located c.120m from the eastern edge of the PDA. It is constructed from prefabricated un-reinforced concrete, has eight metal framed windows in each side and the front has a glazed wooden door also with eight panes. It has a moulded cornice and pyramidal concrete roof with finial and enamelled signs inscribed "Telephone" with wrought iron scrolling and finial on top. It contains a decimalised A/B coinbox (not working), a 292 telephone with the wrong baseplate and other fittings which do not appear to be original. The kiosk was-originally situated outside a sub post office in Church Road, Potters Bar, Barnet, London, where it stood until the mid-1970s.
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Figure 11. Listed Buildings within the 1km study area
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Scheduled Ancient Monuments There are no SAM within the 1km study area.
Conservation Areas Although there are no Conservation Areas within the 1km study area Carlton Grove, which is an area of Ancient Woodland unrecorded on the Suffolk HER located roughly centrally within the PDA and shown on figures 13, 14 and 15, has been designated as a County Wildlife Site for its floristic value.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest There are no SSSI's within the 1km study area.
2.5
Historic map search
The history of the site has been traced through surviving cartographic evidence. The historic maps consulted for this DBA are Hodskinson’s map of Suffolk and the First, Second and Third Edition Ordnance Survey 1:2500 scale maps.
Hodskinson’s map of Suffolk was published in 1783 (Fig. 12) and, although a large scale map, shows towns, major buildings and other landmarks with some indication of topography. The PDA is shown on this map as open land with no obvious structures. The current A146 is shown to the north of the PDA as is Mutfordwood Lane to the south. To the east of the PDA, Chapel Road, the western boundary of modern residential development in Carlton Colville, can be seen running north to south. This road is shown turning to the east, as it does today, and passing between Carlton Hall to the north and St Peter’s Church to the south. This roughly east west aligned road can also be seen continuing across the south of the PDA, and to the north of, and roughly parallel with, Mutfordwood Lane and heading towards what is now Priory Farm. Here this meets Priory Lane, now marked as a track, which runs roughly north to south along the western edge of the PDA connecting the Norwich to Lowestoft road in the north, the current A146, and Mutfordwood Lane in the south. The main settlement of Carlton Colville is shown as being to the southeast of the PDA, to the south of church along what is now known as The Street and is marked as Carlton Green. Neither the stand of trees on the northern edge of the PDA or the area of woodland centrally within the PDA known as Carlton Grove are shown on Hodskinson’s map.
24
The First Edition Ordnance Survey map, published in 1884 (Fig 13), continues to show the PDA as an undeveloped area of farmland. The origins of the present day field boundaries can be seen with the area divided into four large fields. The stand of trees at the north of the PDA can be seen, as can Carlton Grove to the south. The largest field of the four in the PDA is shown extending from its western limits to its eastern boundary with a track running down from the stand of trees to the north to Carlton Grove where it meets another track running from east to west. The road shown on Hodskinson’s map across the south of the PDA can no longer be seen. Two farms are shown, Priory Farm to the southwest of the PDA and Rookery Farm on the northern side of the Norwich to Lowestoft road which bounds the PDA to the north. There are no changes made with the publication of the Second Edition Ordnance Survey in 1905 (Fig. 14) but the Third Edition published in 1927 (Fig. 15) no longer shows the track heading south from the northern stand of trees to Carlton Grove. The modern Ordnance Survey map (Fig. 16) shows the north south aligned track in the northern field marked on the Second Edition as being reinstated as a field boundary to increase the number of separate fields within the PDA to five. Other than this change the current field boundaries can be traced back to 1884.
2.6
Site walkover
The PDA was visited on the 1st April 2016 to assess the potential for the survival archaeological deposits and any potential constraints to archaeological survival. The PDA was accessed via the public footpath which runs west southwest to east northeast roughly across the middle of the site. The vast majority of the site is currently in cultivation with the only spur to the east, which would provide access from a roundabout on the A1145, currently being waste ground. The arable fields to the northwest and west of the PDA are generally flat but do show some local gentle undulations. The field to the east is generally flat while the field to the northeast slopes gently down to the northeast. The stand of trees on the northern edge of the PDA does show some evidence for past use as an extraction pit with deeper and uneven ground levels. No such evidence could be seen in Carlton Grove. Selected photographs from the site visit area shown on Plates 1 to 6.
25
Figure 12. Hodskinson’s map of Suffolk 1783 with the PDA shown in red
26
Figure 13. First Edition Ordnance Survey map
27
Figure 14. Second Edition Ordnance Survey map
28
Figure 15. Third Edition Ordnance Survey map
29
Figure 16. Modern Ordnance Survey map
30
Plate 1. Eastern field with Carlton Grove to the left, looking northwest
Plate 2. Southeastern field with looking south
31
Plate 3. Western field showing localised undulation, looking southwest
Plate 4. Western field showing footpath, looking west
32
Plate 5. Northeastern field, looking southwest
Plate 6. Northwestern field, looking northeast
33
3.
Assessment of impacts and effects
3.1
The archaeological potential of the PDA
The results of the Suffolk HER search shows evidence of activity or settlement around the PDA through most archaeological periods. The results of the HER search also highlight the usefulness of developer led investigations for augmenting the archaeological record with the majority of the entries on the HER being to the east of the PDA where the expansion of modern day Carlton Colville has prompted archaeological investigation. The paucity of records within the PDA itself, save for cropmarks recorded through aerial photography, is not evidence for the absence of archaeological deposits, rather an absence of investigation. While an absence of findspots of artefacts within the PDA may suggest that there is low potential for archaeological remains to survive it should be noted that findspots are usually associated with metal detecting or fieldwalking and there are no records on the HER for either having taken place within the PDA. Indeed, most of the entries to the east relate to positive archaeological investigations and not to artefact scatters, with the exception of the fieldwalking results to the west of the church (CAC 034). It should also be noted that the PDA occupies a topographically favourable position within the Waveney river valley close to the southern edge of the river’s southern floodplain.
There is evidence for low level prehistoric activity across the investigated areas to the east and it is reasonable to assume that this may continue into the PDA, particularly in the northern portion closer to the Waveney. It should also be noted that potential prehistoric monuments have been identified both to the east, where the cropmark of a possible ring ditch has been recorded, and also to the south where a large oval soilmark can be seen, placing the PDA within a wider prehistoric landscape. Despite evidence for possible settlement in the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods only being sporadically identified within the study area, activity in these periods is characteristically dispersed and therefore it is reasonable to suggest that there is low to moderate potential for the preservation of remains relating to these periods within the PDA, simply because of its size.
There is low to moderate potential for Iron Age deposits to be preserved within the PDA. Evidence for low level activity from this period has been uncovered at five sites to the east suggesting more widespread activity. Some cropmarks within the study area have 34
also been interpreted as being potentially Iron Age in date, although they could equally belong to the medieval or post medieval periods.
There is also low to moderate potential for the preservation of remains from the AngloSaxon period. Evidence of possible Saxon occupation has been identified within 1km of the PDA but this is confined to the eastern edge of the study area and it is likely that the focus of activity at this time was further to the southeast with the PDA being on the periphery of any activity.
Although it is likely that the main focus of medieval settlement is to the east and southeast around Carlton Hall and St Peter’s church the PDA has moderate potential for the preservation of deposits from this period. Cropmarks showing possible field boundaries, both aligned with extant field systems and otherwise, suggests that the present field system has its origins at least as far back as the medieval period and the possibility of isolated farmsteads or enclosures cannot be discounted. There is also moderate potential for the preservation of post medieval deposits, although it is perhaps more likely that these would relate more closely to the current field system. Although the bank and ditch cropmarks in the north of the PDA are currently undated, it would appear that they predate the road layout and possibly represent a significant medieval or post medieval landscape feature.
It is unclear whether the extant field system is a medieval to post medieval construct or if indeed there has been a persistence of alignment stretching back further, potentially to the Iron Age or Roman periods but this can only be resolved through further investigation.
3.2
Potential level of archaeological preservation within the PDA
With no archaeological interventions having taken place within the PDA itself it is difficult to comment on the impact that continued agricultural practises may have had on any surviving heritage assets although given the size of the PDA and the gently undulating nature of the topography, it is reasonable to suggest that preservation levels would be variable across the area. Only intrusive trial trenching would be able to determine the degree of preservation.
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3.3
Assessment of the impact of the development on the
archaeological resource The proposed development of the site into an outdoor sports and leisure facility would consist of three broad areas; the creation of a number of pitches for various sports including both natural and artificial surfaces, the construction of ancillary buildings and the introduction of access roads and footpaths.
The generally flat and undisturbed topography and past agricultural land use of the PDA would suggest it is unlikely that there has been a large build-up of material masking or protecting any surviving deposits, except perhaps on the northern fringe of the PDA where it ground levels start to slope down towards the river in the north. Therefore, it is highly likely that any development work which involves any ground disturbance may have a detrimental impact on any below ground heritage assets.
The construction of synthetic sports pitches is likely to involve significant landscaping and as such could be highly damaging to any surviving archaeological deposits. With regard to other sports pitches the potential impact is less clear and is highly dependent on the scope and scale of the work involved with any significant landscaping, again, having a detrimental effect on any surviving deposits.
The construction of new buildings and the creation of access routes is very likely to involve significant ground disturbance and as such would have a negative effect on any preserved archaeological deposits.
36
4.
Mitigation measures
The PDA has low to moderate potential for archaeological deposits of Neolithic and Bronze Age date and also for Iron Age remains. The potential for Anglo-Saxon remains is also low to moderate while there is moderate potential for medieval and post medieval remains within the PDA. The preservation of such deposits is likely to be variable across the site.
At present no grounds have been identified on which the LPA might consider refusal of planning permission in order to achieve preservation in situ of any designated heritage assets such as Scheduled Monuments, or of important but non-designated heritage assets. However as the PDA has not been subject to any previous systematic archaeological investigation, the actual presence, nature and state of preservation of any such archaeological deposits is unknown.
National and local guidance recommends that potential archaeological sites are evaluated prior to the determination of any planning application to assess the nature and significance of any archaeological deposits present. Such investigations can then enable the LPA’s archaeological advisors to make informed decisions regarding heritage assets in respect of any planning application, and determine the need and scope for refusal of development to provide preservation in situ of important archaeological deposits, or a requirement for excavation and preservation by record prior to or during development, which can be imposed by conditions on planning consent. As a general principle mitigation would require that an adequate record is made of any archaeological features or finds which would otherwise be destroyed by the development. Further archaeological assessment of the PDA will be necessary through evaluation by trial trenching. This typically covers 5% of the area of the PDA and would enable the identification, assessment of extent, character, density and depth of the archaeological deposits present. An initial programme of geophysical survey may be of use to enable a targeted approach to this trial trenching. If this evaluation work identifies intact archaeological deposits which would be directly affected by the construction design then a further programme of open area excavation may be required.
37
Purchasers of land should be aware that, until an evaluation is undertaken, it is usually impossible to define the extent of archaeological work that may be required on a site and equally difficult to calculate the likely cost and time implications. Bearing this in mind developers are strongly advised to undertake archaeological evaluations at the earliest opportunity to clarify the likely archaeological work required and its cost.
5.
Conclusions
Through an examination of the Suffolk HER, National Mapping Programme aerial photographic survey and National Heritage List for England, a cartographic search and a site inspection this DBA has set the PDA within its immediate archaeological landscape.
In general, the topographic location and known archaeology of the area suggests that there is moderate potential for encountering multi period archaeological remains within the PDA. The lack of intrusive archaeological investigation within the PDA means that the level of preservation of any remains present is unknown but it can be assumed that the degree of preservation across the site would be variable.
It is suggested that a geophysical survey, followed by trial trenched evaluation be carried out in order to further assess the archaeological potential of the PDA prior to any planning application in order to inform any necessary mitigation strategy.
6.
List of contributors and acknowledgements
This project was funded and commissioned by Darnton B3 Architects Ltd. The desk based assessment was carried out by Simon Picard of Suffolk Archaeology CIC.
Suffolk Archaeology would like to acknowledge Suffolk Historic Environment Record staff for their help in providing data for this report.
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Suffolk Archaeology CIC Unit 5 | Plot 11 | Maitland Road | Lion Barn Industrial Estate Needham Market | Suffolk | IP6 8NZ [email protected] 01449 900120 www.suffolkarchaeology.co.uk
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Oakes Farm, Carlton Colville Desk-Based Assessment SACIC Report No. 2016/028 Author: Simon Picard Illustrator: Simon Picard Editor: Jo Caruth Report Date: April/2016
HER Information Site Name:
Oakes Farm, Carlton Colville, Suffolk
Report Number
2016/028
Planning Application No:
N/A
Grid Reference:
TM 5019 9028
Oasis Reference:
suffolka1-247360
Curatorial Officer:
N/A
Client/Funding Body:
Darnton 3B Architects Ltd
Digital report submitted to Archaeological Data Service: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/greylit
Disclaimer Any opinions expressed in this report about the need for further archaeological work are those of Suffolk Archaeology CIC. Ultimately the need for further work will be determined by the Local Planning Authority and its Archaeological Advisors when a planning application is registered. Suffolk Archaeology CIC cannot accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to the clients should the Planning Authority take a different view to that expressed in the report.
Contents Summary List of Abbreviations used in the text
4
1.
1
Introduction
1.1
Project Background
1
1.2
Site description
1
1.3
Topography and geology
3
1.4
Scope of this report
4
1.5
Aims
4
1.6
Methods
4
1.7
Legislative frameworks
5
National legislation or policy
5
2.
7
Results
2.1
Suffolk HER search
7
2.2
All known archaeological sites within the PDA
7
2.3
All known archaeological sites within 1km from the centre of the PDA
9
Neolithic (BC 4,000 – BC 2,351)
9
Bronze Age (BC 2,350 – BC 801)
9
Iron Age (BC 800 – 43 AD)
9
General Prehistoric
9
Anglo-Saxon (410 AD – 1065 AD)
10
Medieval (1066 AD – 1539 AD)
10
Post Medieval (1540 AD – 1900 AD)
10
World War 2 (1939 AD – 1945 AD)
10
Undated 11 2.4 Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Conservation Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) 20 Listed Buildings
20
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
24
Conservation Areas
24
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
24
2.5
Historic map search
24
2.6
Site walkover
25
3.
Assessment of impacts and effects
34
3.1
The archaeological potential of the PDA
34
3.2
Potential level of archaeological preservation within the PDA
35
3.3
Assessment of the impact of the development on the archaeological resource 36
4.
Mitigation measures
37
5.
Conclusions
38
6.
List of contributors and acknowledgements
38
List of Figures Figure 1. Location map with PDA in grey
2
Figure 2. Contour plan
3
Figure 3. HER monument entries within the PDA
8
Figure 4. Prehistoric HER monument entries within the 1km study area
13
Figure 5. Anglo Saxon HER monument entries within the 1km study area
14
Figure 6. Medieval HER monument entries within the 1km study area
15
Figure 7. Post medieval HER monument entries within the 1km study area
16
Figure 8. World War 2 HER monument entries within the 1km study area
17
Figure 9. Undated HER monument entries within the 1km study area
18
Figure 10. Cropmarks shown on aerial photography within the 1km study area
19
Figure 11. Listed Buildings within the 1km study area
23
Figure 12. Hodskinson’s map of Suffolk 1783 with the PDA shown in red
26
Figure 13. First Edition Ordnance Survey map
27
Figure 14. Second Edition Ordnance Survey map
28
Figure 15. Third Edition Ordnance Survey map
29
Figure 16. Modern Ordnance Survey map
30
List of Plates Plate 1. Eastern field with Carlton Grove to the left, looking northwest ....................... 31 Plate 2. Southeastern field with looking south ............................................................. 31 Plate 3. Western field showing localised undulation, looking southwest ...................... 32 Plate 4. Western field showing footpath, looking west ................................................. 32 Plate 5. Northeastern field, looking southwest ............................................................. 33 Plate 6. Northwestern field, looking northeast ............................................................. 33
List of Abbreviations used in the text DBA
Desk Based Assessment
HER
Historic Environment Record
LPA
Local Planning Authority
NHLE
National Heritage List for England
NPPF
National Planning Policy Framework
PDA
Proposed Development Area
PPG 16
Planning Policy Guidance 16
SAM
Scheduled Ancient Monument
SSSI
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Summary This archaeological Desk Based Assessment (DBA) has been undertaken to inform the planning process in advance of the proposed development of an Outdoor Sports and Leisure facility at Oakes Farm, Carlton Colville, Suffolk. This DBA includes an examination of the Suffolk Historic Environment Record (HER), an aerial photographic survey, a historic cartographic search and a site inspection.
The DBA has placed the Proposed Development Area (PDA) within its immediate archaeological landscape and has identified moderate potential for the preservation of archaeological deposits from the medieval and post-medieval periods and low to moderate potential for Anglo-Saxon remains. The PDA has been placed in a wider prehistoric landscape with low to moderate potential for the preservation of remains relating to the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age periods.
It is suggested that further archaeological investigation, consisting of geophysical survey and trial trench evaluation, be carried out in order to accurately identify and assess the extent, character, density, depth and level of preservation of any archaeological deposits within the PDA, prior to, or during, submission of a planning application.
Consultation with the LPA’s archaeological advisor, is recommended at the earliest possible opportunity to determine the actual program of any further archaeological works required.
1.
Introduction
1.1
Project Background
This archaeological DBA has been prepared by Simon Picard of Suffolk Archaeology CIC for Darnton B3 Architecture.
This DBA is the first stage of a programme of archaeological works to access the archaeological potential of the PDA.
1.2
Site description
The subject of this DBA covers an area of approximately 32.18ha centred at TM 5019 9028, in the parish of Carlton Colville (Fig. 1). It is situated to the west of the main residential centre of the parish and close to its historic core.
The PDA itself is roughly rectangular and covers six fields currently predominantly in cultivation, although it does include two large stands of trees both centrally and to the north. It is bounded to the north by the A146 Beccles to Lowestoft road and to the south and west by open farmland. Its eastern edge borders a caravan site, a transport museum and a pumping station and has a rectangular spur projecting eastwards from the main body of the PDA to meet the A1145 at a roundabout.
A site visit was made on April 1st to determine the presence of any factors likely to impact on the overall assessment of the archaeological potential of the PDA.
1
Figure 1. Location map with PDA in grey
2
1.3
Topography and geology
The PDA is located 1.9km to the southeast of the River Waveney and approximately 800m to the southeast of the marshes on its southern floodplain between 7m and 15m above the Ordnance Datum (Fig. 2). It is generally flat but with some localised undulations and a gentle north facing slope at the northern edge as ground levels fall to meet the edge of the floodplain.
The bedrock geology is described as Red Crag Formation Sand, formed approximately 2 to 4 million years ago in the Quaternary and Neogene Periods, deposited as mud, silt, sand and gravel in shallow seas. Superficial deposits are predominantly Lowestoft Formation of chalky till together with outwash sands and gravels, silts and clays with Happisburgh Glacigenic Formation along the northern boundary; sandier and less chalky than the younger, overlying Lowestoft Formation this consists of diamictons, sands and gravels, sands and laminated silts and clays (BGS 2016).
Figure 2. Contour plan
3
1.4
Scope of this report
In order to set the PDA in its archaeological context a study area of a 1km radius from its centre was selected for examination (Figs. 3 to 9).
In accordance with the NPPF, the Government’s guidance on archaeology and planning, this assessment examines the available archaeological sources. These include the Suffolk HER, reports of any archaeological investigations, all readily available cartographic sources, an aerial photographic survey and a site walkover.
1.5
Aims
To determine as far as reasonably practicable from the existing records, the previous land use, the nature of the archaeological resource and the potential resource within the PDA.
1.6
Methods
The methodology involved interrogating the following sources of data to meet the aims of this DBA.
A search of the Suffolk HER for any records within 1km from the centre of the PDA. The results are described and mapped in the main body of the report, Section 2.
An examination of the literature with reference to archaeological excavations within the study area.
A search for listed buildings that may have a line of sight to the PDA was carried out. A summary is presented in the main report, Section 2.
An assessment of all cartographic sources relevant to the PDA to identify historic land use, the siting of old boundaries and earlier buildings, Section 2.
An aerial photographic survey was commissioned and the archives held at Suffolk County Council HER the National Monuments Record Office at Swindon and the Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photographs were examined. The results are summarised in the main report, Section 2.
4
A site walkover was conducted on 01/04/2016, for which notes and digital photographs were taken.
1.7
Legislative frameworks
National legislation or policy NPPF National Planning Policy Framework (which replaced PPS5 in March 2012, which in turn had replaced various guidance such as PPG 15 and PPG 16) provides guidance for planning authorities, developers and others on planning and the historic environment (paragraphs 128 & 129 below).
128. In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation.
129. Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this assessment into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal. Scheduled Monuments The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979 statutorily protects Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and their settings as nationally important sites. There are no SAMs within 1 km of this PDA.
5
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Listed buildings are protected under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act of 1990. This ensures that listed buildings are given statutory protection against unauthorised demolition, alteration and extension. Buildings are listed because they are of special architectural importance, due to their architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship; also because they are of historical interest. This includes buildings that illustrate important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or military history or have a close association with nationally important persons or events. There are seven listed buildings within the study area (Fig. 10).
Conservation Areas are designated for their special architectural and historic interest, usually by the local planning authority. Any alterations to properties, structures, trees etc. in a conservation area may need permission from the local planning authority. There are no conservation areas within the study area. Registered Parks and Gardens A Registered Park or Garden is a site included on the 'Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England’ which is maintained by English Heritage. It currently identifies over 1,600 sites assessed to be of national importance. Registration is a ‘material consideration’ in the planning process, meaning that planning authorities must consider the impact of any proposed development on the special character of a registered park or garden. There are no Registered Parks or Gardens within the study area. Site of Special Scientific Interest A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is an area that has been notified as being of special interest under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, due to its flora, fauna or geological or geomorphological features. There are no SSSI’s within the study area.
6
2.
Results
2.1
Suffolk HER search
A search of the Suffolk HER within a radius of 1km from the centre of the PDA was undertaken. This identified a total of thirty-eight monument records within the study area and these are shown on figures 4 to 8 with the results presented below. Also included are the results of an aerial photographic survey carried out by the National Mapping Programme which have subsequently been recorded on the Suffolk HER.
It should be noted that the HER only represents the archaeological material that has been reported, this is the ‘known’ resource. It is not, therefore, a complete reflection of the whole archaeological resource of this area because other sites may remain undiscovered, this is considered as the ‘potential’ resource.
2.2
All known archaeological sites within the PDA
There are two monuments recorded within the PDA itself, both of which relate to cropmarks showing field boundary ditches visible on an aerial photographic survey carried out by the National Mapping Programme and recorded on the Suffolk HER (Figs. 3 and 10). The smaller of the two entries is fully encompassed within the PDA and covers approximately 2000m2 (CAC 057 - MSX27621). This is currently undated and shows two ditches aligned northeast to southwest, 10m apart, to the east of the centre of the PDA, although it is possible that these actually relate to underlying drainage schemes rather than an archaeological asset. The larger monument (CAC 056 – MSX27620) covers nearly 52ha including the northern portion of the PDA and extending to the west and northwest. Both ditches and banks can be seen on aerial photographs and these may be of medieval to post medieval date as a significant number of these boundaries can be seen, or related to those, on the First Edition Ordnance Survey and also within the extant field system. It should be noted that the road which bounds the PDA to the north also appears to respect the alignment of the banks shown within the PDA. This curve can also be seen on Hodskinson’s map of 1783 which would suggest that these earthworks both predate the road and were significant enough to be avoided through the evolution of the road. It is possible that they represent an estate or park boundary.
7
Figure 3. HER monument entries within the PDA
8
2.3
All known archaeological sites within 1km from the centre of the
PDA Neolithic (BC 4,000 – BC 2,351) There is one entry on the HER for the Neolithic period, a number of pits and postholes identified during evaluation and subsequent excavation at St Peter’s Road (CAC 030 MSF21354) c. 800m to the east of the site (Fig. 4). However, a deliberate deposit of three Neolithic polished stone axes was recovered during an excavation to the north (CAC 020, see below), although their deposition date is unclear.
Bronze Age (BC 2,350 – BC 801) The evaluation and excavation carried out at St Peter’s Road (CAC 030) also provides the only record on the HER within the study area attributed to the Bronze Age, a small group of pits containing Beaker type pottery (Fig. 4).
Iron Age (BC 800 – 43 AD) Evidence of Iron Age activity was also recorded at St Peter’s Street (CAC 030) 800m to the east (Fig. 4). Five further entries on the HER attest to activity in the Iron Age within the study area. Excavations during 1998 and 1999 c.750m to the east northeast of the PDA at Beccles Road (CAC 020 – MSF18679) found some postholes and Iron Age pottery. Although interpreted as an Iron Age site on the HER, as mentioned above, a hoard of three Neolithic polished stone axes was also recovered, although as stated before, their deposition date is unclear. To the south, c.450m to the east of the PDA, an excavation at Chapel Road (CAC 025 – MSF25502) identified low levels of Iron Age activity, including an Iron Age ditch, while dispersed pits containing Early Iron Age pottery were uncovered during an evaluation further to the east, c.780m from the PDA (CAC 031 – MSF21928). A scatter of possible Iron Age pottery was found during fieldwalking to the west of the church, c.750m to the east southeast of the PDA, during 2003 (CAC 034 – MSF22171). Near to the site of the fieldwalking is the findspot of an Iron Age silver ‘Bury Tribe’ type coin (CAC Misc – MSF1059).
General Prehistoric Three records on the HER relate to the general prehistoric period (Fig. 4); excavation during the Carlton Park development in 1999 identified prehistoric features and finds c.450m to east northeast of the PDA (CAC 017 – MSF19641) while further to the east
9
an evaluation at Beccles Road identified prehistoric features and finds (CAC 018 – MSF18678). An evaluation to the south of Carlton Hall, c.750m to the east of the PDA, also identified prehistoric features (CAC 043 – MSF24179).
Anglo-Saxon (410 AD – 1065 AD) There are also three records on the HER pertaining to the Anglo-Saxon period (Fig. 5), two of which are multiphase sites; an Early Saxon ditch along with Late Saxon ditches and pits were identified at St Peter’s Street (CAC 030) and a Late Saxon ditch is recorded to the south of Carlton Hall (CAC 043) along with Saxon pits and postholes. An evaluation carried out to the west of Carlton Hall, c.640m to the east of the PDA, identified several pits and ditches of possible Late Saxon to medieval date (CAC 049 – MSF26829).
Medieval (1066 AD – 1539 AD) The majority of the six entries on the HER which relate to the medieval period are multi period sites (Fig. 6). Possible buildings have been identified at two of the sites, (CAC 017 and CAC 025) along with ditches and pits, while medieval finds and features were also identified during evaluations (CAC 018 and CAC 043). A scatter of medieval pottery was found during fieldwalking (CAC 034) to the west of the medieval Church of St Peter (c.820m to the east southeast of the centre of the PDA, CAC 011 – MSF13874).
Post Medieval (1540 AD – 1900 AD) Two records of post medieval monuments have been made within the study area; a milepost on the current A146 and the extant Carlton Hall (BNB Misc – MSF22758 and CAC 004 – MSF1568 respectively, Fig. 7). The milepost, c.950m to the west northwest of the PDA, was recorded on the Ordnance Survey map published in 1954 but had disappeared by the 1972 edition. Built in 1736 on the site of the medieval building, Carlton Hall is c.730m to the east of the PDA, and is also a Grade II Listed Building.
World War 2 (1939 AD – 1945 AD) There are four entries which relate to the Second World War within the study area (Fig. 8), one of which is an extant structure; approximately 770m to the east southeast of the centre of the PDA is a Type 22 Pillbox, positioned on the edge of the road which leads inland to Mutford (CAC 060 – MSX276). Visible on aerial photographs and 160m to the
10
north east of the Pillbox (and 890m from the PDA) is the site of a Second World War Slit Trench and Weapon Pit (CAC 068 – MSX27785). This is in addition to further Slit Trenches visible on aerial photographs 480m to the north (840m to the northeast of the PDA, CAC 062 – MSX27633). Aerial photographs taken during the 1940s show structures in the playground of Carlton Colville Primary School, c.820m to the southeast of the PDA, which may be surface air raid shelters for the staff and pupils (CAC 054 – MSX275). These were still visible into the 1950s and so may have been reused as, or actually be, temporary classrooms, toilet blocks or pavilions.
Undated Fifteen further entries on the HER relate to undated monuments (Fig. 9). An evaluation carried out c.630m to the east of the PDA during the Carlton Park development identified several undated shallow features (CAC 032 – MSF21929) while on the edge of the search area, c.950m to the southeast, an undated stag’s head handle was found at Beverley Court (CAC Misc – MSF14980). The remainder of the undated records relate to cropmarks shown by aerial photography. Although these have not been subject to archaeological investigation some of them can be tentatively assigned to different periods by their morphology and location.
Approximately 300m to the east of the centre of the PDA cropmarks of a square or rectilinear enclosure with possible associated ditches are visible (CAC 058 – MSX27622). Nearby evidence of Iron Age and Roman activity (CAC 025, CAC 029 and CAC 031) together with the shape of the cropmarks could suggest an Iron Age date for this enclosure, although a medieval date could also be suggested due to its proximity to Carlton Hall and other medieval activity (CAC 017). More prehistoric activity may be in evidence further to the east, 950m from the PDA and at the edge of the study area, where a possible ring ditch has been tentatively identified (CAC 070 – MSX27663). The cropmarks of a field system generally on a different alignment to the surviving post medieval boundaries are visible 600m to the south of the PDA (CAC 065 – MSX27673) which correspond to an area of cropmarks associated with Late Iron Age to Roman finds in the neighbouring parish of Gisleham (GSE 077). However, it is possible that these cropmarks are related to the medieval period with some aspects of the medieval landscape respected, such as Priory Lane. This suggests the possibility of changes to the wider field system boundaries in the post medieval period.
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A number of sites interpreted as being medieval to post medieval have been identified through aerial photography (Fig 10). Two areas of cropmarks of ditches and banks have been recorded to the north of the PDA on the southern edge of the Waveney floodplain, c.820m to the north (CAC 072 – MSX27658) and c.950 to the northwest (CAC 073 – MSX27660). Immediately to the east of the PDA a possible moated site has been identified through vegetation marks. These show an L-shaped ditch which adjoins existing post medieval boundaries to form a small enclosure (CAC 059 – MSX276). Cropmarks which have been interpreted as being related to Carlton Hall and a possible associated park are recorded c.450m to the east (CAC 067 – MSX27786). The presence of possible green-edge settlement on the eastern edge of the park alongside Hollow Lane has been suggested but the evidence for this is inconclusive. The area defined by this record covers approximately 19.5ha and encompasses a total of seven archaeological investigations of various dates. On the eastern edge of the study area, approximately 910m from the PDA, a second large area of cropmarks encompassing the site of an archaeological investigation is recorded (CAC 063 – MSX27638) with evidence of both Roman and Medieval enclosures having been recorded. With some shown on the First Edition Ordnance Survey it is likely that these cropmarks relate to multiple periods of activity. A possible rectilinear enclosure with field boundary ditches or trackways is recorded 400m to the south of the PDA (CAC 076 – MSX27672) with alignments which suggest a medieval to post medieval date. Similarly, c.500m to the west southwest ditches can be seen which relate to the medieval to post medieval field system shown on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1884 (CAC 077 – MSX27671).
Three further sites identified through aerial photography have not been assigned to a particular period, two of which are fragmentary or unclear. To the east, c.740m, a possible rectilinear enclosure with associated field boundaries or trackways has been recorded, although the cropmarks are not clear enough to have been confidently interpreted (CAC 066 – MSX27784). Approximately 850m to the west northwest fragmentary cropmarks suggestive of field boundaries have been recorded on the edge of the study area (CAC 074 – MSX27661). The cropmark of a perfect oval, measuring circa 70m by 50m, is recorded approximately 500m to the south of the PDA (CAC 012 – MSX27670) which, although undated, may be prehistoric in origin.
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Figure 4. Prehistoric HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 5. Anglo Saxon HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 6. Medieval HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 7. Post medieval HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 8. World War 2 HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 9. Undated HER monument entries within the 1km study area
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Figure 10. Cropmarks shown on aerial photography within the 1km study area (Ditches shown in blue and banks in red)
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2.4
Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Conservation
Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Listed Buildings A search carried out on the Suffolk HER and on the NHLE website shows there are seven Listed Buildings within 1km of the PDA. One is Grade II*, the parish church of St Peter, and the remaining six are Grade II (Fig. 11). Six of the seven Listed Buildings are located to the east of the PDA with the seventh being to the north and the HER entries for these are summarised below. Church of St Peter, NHLE No.1352577 The Grade II* listed parish church of St Peter is approximately 530m from the eastern edge of the PDA. This was largely rebuilt in 1884 in Decorated style with a nave, chancel (with organ chamber), south porch, north vestry and the surviving medieval west tower. It is constructed from random, mainly knapped, flint with stone admixture and stone dressings and has plaintiled roofs. The surviving tower is largely fourteenth century, although the lower portion (with a lancet west window) may be earlier, and is square with 3-stage diagonal buttresses to the west, 2-light bell-chamber openings and a crenelated parapet with flushwork. The nave has four bays with mainly Decorated style windows; at the west end are two 2-light windows in Perpendicular style (south) and a renewed twelfth century window (north). The porch and vestry are entirely of 1883-4. The chancel has three bays with 2- light windows, some perhaps re-used and a 3-light east window. The interior shows a scissor-braced rafter roof to the nave and a boarded wagon roof to the chancel, both of which are late nineteenth century. In the south sanctuary is a piscina with cusped ogee arch. The octagonal carved font is fifteenth century and stands on a 2-stepped base with four lions against the stem, angels to the underside of the bowl, and alternate angels and lions on the bowl panels. The Rookery, NHLE No.1032068 Approximately 150m from the northern edge of the PDA, this is a two storey Grade II listed house with an attic with a seventeenth century core with later eighteenth century alterations and an early nineteenth century facade and rear wing. The façade is white brick with red brick to the rear and mid twentieth century pebbledash render to the gable ends. The roof is pantiled and hipped to the right, with glazed black tiles to the front. Its façade has four windows with inset sashes with glazing bars under flat brick arches; the
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2 centre bays are slightly inset. It has a 6-panel raised and fielded door with a mid twentieth century pedimented doorcase. Internal stack and gable end stack to left. The left hand gable end has a first floor moulded brick string course, now rendered over. There are curved screen walls of red brick, each with a semi-circular arched opening and terminating in a square pier with stone ball finial. Good dog-leg closed-string stair with slender turned balusters; panelled dado. Exposed joisting to main ground floor room. Carlton Hall and Barn, NHLE Nos.1032070 and 1352579 There are two entries regarding Carlton Hall, c.500 from the eastern edge of the PDA, both of which are Grade II listed, the first is the hall itself and the second is a barn standing approximately 10m from the Hall.
Carlton Hall is a double pile plan two storey house with the rear range dating from 1736 with the front range being mid nineteenth century. It has a white brick façade with the ground floor (including the porch) stuccoed, with banded rustication. The left hand gable ends are also stuccoed while the remainder is red brick. The roof is slated to the front with pantiles to the rear. It has a three windowed facade, with the windows being largepaned sashes with blind boxes, the first floor windows have stucco surrounds. The entrance porch has a 4-panel door (the upper panels with leaded glazing) and a plain rectangular fanlight. It has gable end chimney stacks and a nineteenth century conservatory is attached to the left. It is on the site of the manor house, whose destruction is recorded by the parish register: ‘On Sunday, April 18, 1736, Carleton Hall, bakehouse, barn, and stables were burnt down by a foul chimney taking fire.'
Approximately 10m to the northeast of Carlton Hall is a red brick barn, with chequer pattern in dark headers, also dated to 1736, this can be seen in dark headers on the gable end facing the house. It has a pantiled roof and four bays, with an integral aisle on the north side. On the south side the bays either side of the entrance bay have four segmental-arched ventilation openings, each comprising a chequerwork with alternate bricks omitted. The westernmost bay (now obscured by a later outbuilding) was treated differently and probably had an intermediate floor. There are pilaster strips between the bays, an intermediate brick band and a heavy corbel cornice. Parapet gable ends with brick bands. The roof has stepped butt purlins. An unusually ornate barn, built to replace the one destroyed by fire in the same year.
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The Old Rectory and Serpentine Wall, NHLE Nos.1032069 and 1352578 On the eastern edge of the study area c.750m from the eastern edge of the PDA stands the Grade II listed Old Rectory and an associated length of Serpentine Wall which is also Grade II listed. As is suggested by its name this is the former rectory. Generally eighteenth century it has a fragmentary sixteenth to seventeenth century timber framed core and a late nineteenth century addition to the rear and has two storeys and an attic. It is constructed with colour washed brick and is rendered at the rear with a roof of glazed black pantiles. Its facade has four windows which are unevenly spaced with sashes with glazing bars in flush frames to the first floor and later segmental-arched inset sashes to the ground floor, with a canted bay window to the right. It has a wide inset doorway with a late nineteenth century 4-panel door (the upper panels glazed) and matching side lights and a late nineteenth century applied stone doorcase in Gothic style with carved spandrels. It has wooden modillion eaves cornice and 2 internal chimney stacks. Attached to the northwest corner of The Old Rectory is a length of late eighteenth century serpentine wall. This extends to the northeast of the road frontage for approximately 30m before a short return attaches to the house. Constructed using red brick in stretcher bond with brick copings the wall is for the most part about 2m high, although part of the return section, part of which is straight, is taller. K1 Telephone Kiosk at East Anglian Transport Museum, NHLE No.1051978 This is Grade II listed and dates from 1921. It was restored and re-erected in c.1984 as an exhibit at the East Anglia Transport Museum and is located c.120m from the eastern edge of the PDA. It is constructed from prefabricated un-reinforced concrete, has eight metal framed windows in each side and the front has a glazed wooden door also with eight panes. It has a moulded cornice and pyramidal concrete roof with finial and enamelled signs inscribed "Telephone" with wrought iron scrolling and finial on top. It contains a decimalised A/B coinbox (not working), a 292 telephone with the wrong baseplate and other fittings which do not appear to be original. The kiosk was-originally situated outside a sub post office in Church Road, Potters Bar, Barnet, London, where it stood until the mid-1970s.
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Figure 11. Listed Buildings within the 1km study area
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Scheduled Ancient Monuments There are no SAM within the 1km study area.
Conservation Areas Although there are no Conservation Areas within the 1km study area Carlton Grove, which is an area of Ancient Woodland unrecorded on the Suffolk HER located roughly centrally within the PDA and shown on figures 13, 14 and 15, has been designated as a County Wildlife Site for its floristic value.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest There are no SSSI's within the 1km study area.
2.5
Historic map search
The history of the site has been traced through surviving cartographic evidence. The historic maps consulted for this DBA are Hodskinson’s map of Suffolk and the First, Second and Third Edition Ordnance Survey 1:2500 scale maps.
Hodskinson’s map of Suffolk was published in 1783 (Fig. 12) and, although a large scale map, shows towns, major buildings and other landmarks with some indication of topography. The PDA is shown on this map as open land with no obvious structures. The current A146 is shown to the north of the PDA as is Mutfordwood Lane to the south. To the east of the PDA, Chapel Road, the western boundary of modern residential development in Carlton Colville, can be seen running north to south. This road is shown turning to the east, as it does today, and passing between Carlton Hall to the north and St Peter’s Church to the south. This roughly east west aligned road can also be seen continuing across the south of the PDA, and to the north of, and roughly parallel with, Mutfordwood Lane and heading towards what is now Priory Farm. Here this meets Priory Lane, now marked as a track, which runs roughly north to south along the western edge of the PDA connecting the Norwich to Lowestoft road in the north, the current A146, and Mutfordwood Lane in the south. The main settlement of Carlton Colville is shown as being to the southeast of the PDA, to the south of church along what is now known as The Street and is marked as Carlton Green. Neither the stand of trees on the northern edge of the PDA or the area of woodland centrally within the PDA known as Carlton Grove are shown on Hodskinson’s map.
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The First Edition Ordnance Survey map, published in 1884 (Fig 13), continues to show the PDA as an undeveloped area of farmland. The origins of the present day field boundaries can be seen with the area divided into four large fields. The stand of trees at the north of the PDA can be seen, as can Carlton Grove to the south. The largest field of the four in the PDA is shown extending from its western limits to its eastern boundary with a track running down from the stand of trees to the north to Carlton Grove where it meets another track running from east to west. The road shown on Hodskinson’s map across the south of the PDA can no longer be seen. Two farms are shown, Priory Farm to the southwest of the PDA and Rookery Farm on the northern side of the Norwich to Lowestoft road which bounds the PDA to the north. There are no changes made with the publication of the Second Edition Ordnance Survey in 1905 (Fig. 14) but the Third Edition published in 1927 (Fig. 15) no longer shows the track heading south from the northern stand of trees to Carlton Grove. The modern Ordnance Survey map (Fig. 16) shows the north south aligned track in the northern field marked on the Second Edition as being reinstated as a field boundary to increase the number of separate fields within the PDA to five. Other than this change the current field boundaries can be traced back to 1884.
2.6
Site walkover
The PDA was visited on the 1st April 2016 to assess the potential for the survival archaeological deposits and any potential constraints to archaeological survival. The PDA was accessed via the public footpath which runs west southwest to east northeast roughly across the middle of the site. The vast majority of the site is currently in cultivation with the only spur to the east, which would provide access from a roundabout on the A1145, currently being waste ground. The arable fields to the northwest and west of the PDA are generally flat but do show some local gentle undulations. The field to the east is generally flat while the field to the northeast slopes gently down to the northeast. The stand of trees on the northern edge of the PDA does show some evidence for past use as an extraction pit with deeper and uneven ground levels. No such evidence could be seen in Carlton Grove. Selected photographs from the site visit area shown on Plates 1 to 6.
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Figure 12. Hodskinson’s map of Suffolk 1783 with the PDA shown in red
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Figure 13. First Edition Ordnance Survey map
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Figure 14. Second Edition Ordnance Survey map
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Figure 15. Third Edition Ordnance Survey map
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Figure 16. Modern Ordnance Survey map
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Plate 1. Eastern field with Carlton Grove to the left, looking northwest
Plate 2. Southeastern field with looking south
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Plate 3. Western field showing localised undulation, looking southwest
Plate 4. Western field showing footpath, looking west
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Plate 5. Northeastern field, looking southwest
Plate 6. Northwestern field, looking northeast
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3.
Assessment of impacts and effects
3.1
The archaeological potential of the PDA
The results of the Suffolk HER search shows evidence of activity or settlement around the PDA through most archaeological periods. The results of the HER search also highlight the usefulness of developer led investigations for augmenting the archaeological record with the majority of the entries on the HER being to the east of the PDA where the expansion of modern day Carlton Colville has prompted archaeological investigation. The paucity of records within the PDA itself, save for cropmarks recorded through aerial photography, is not evidence for the absence of archaeological deposits, rather an absence of investigation. While an absence of findspots of artefacts within the PDA may suggest that there is low potential for archaeological remains to survive it should be noted that findspots are usually associated with metal detecting or fieldwalking and there are no records on the HER for either having taken place within the PDA. Indeed, most of the entries to the east relate to positive archaeological investigations and not to artefact scatters, with the exception of the fieldwalking results to the west of the church (CAC 034). It should also be noted that the PDA occupies a topographically favourable position within the Waveney river valley close to the southern edge of the river’s southern floodplain.
There is evidence for low level prehistoric activity across the investigated areas to the east and it is reasonable to assume that this may continue into the PDA, particularly in the northern portion closer to the Waveney. It should also be noted that potential prehistoric monuments have been identified both to the east, where the cropmark of a possible ring ditch has been recorded, and also to the south where a large oval soilmark can be seen, placing the PDA within a wider prehistoric landscape. Despite evidence for possible settlement in the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods only being sporadically identified within the study area, activity in these periods is characteristically dispersed and therefore it is reasonable to suggest that there is low to moderate potential for the preservation of remains relating to these periods within the PDA, simply because of its size.
There is low to moderate potential for Iron Age deposits to be preserved within the PDA. Evidence for low level activity from this period has been uncovered at five sites to the east suggesting more widespread activity. Some cropmarks within the study area have 34
also been interpreted as being potentially Iron Age in date, although they could equally belong to the medieval or post medieval periods.
There is also low to moderate potential for the preservation of remains from the AngloSaxon period. Evidence of possible Saxon occupation has been identified within 1km of the PDA but this is confined to the eastern edge of the study area and it is likely that the focus of activity at this time was further to the southeast with the PDA being on the periphery of any activity.
Although it is likely that the main focus of medieval settlement is to the east and southeast around Carlton Hall and St Peter’s church the PDA has moderate potential for the preservation of deposits from this period. Cropmarks showing possible field boundaries, both aligned with extant field systems and otherwise, suggests that the present field system has its origins at least as far back as the medieval period and the possibility of isolated farmsteads or enclosures cannot be discounted. There is also moderate potential for the preservation of post medieval deposits, although it is perhaps more likely that these would relate more closely to the current field system. Although the bank and ditch cropmarks in the north of the PDA are currently undated, it would appear that they predate the road layout and possibly represent a significant medieval or post medieval landscape feature.
It is unclear whether the extant field system is a medieval to post medieval construct or if indeed there has been a persistence of alignment stretching back further, potentially to the Iron Age or Roman periods but this can only be resolved through further investigation.
3.2
Potential level of archaeological preservation within the PDA
With no archaeological interventions having taken place within the PDA itself it is difficult to comment on the impact that continued agricultural practises may have had on any surviving heritage assets although given the size of the PDA and the gently undulating nature of the topography, it is reasonable to suggest that preservation levels would be variable across the area. Only intrusive trial trenching would be able to determine the degree of preservation.
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3.3
Assessment of the impact of the development on the
archaeological resource The proposed development of the site into an outdoor sports and leisure facility would consist of three broad areas; the creation of a number of pitches for various sports including both natural and artificial surfaces, the construction of ancillary buildings and the introduction of access roads and footpaths.
The generally flat and undisturbed topography and past agricultural land use of the PDA would suggest it is unlikely that there has been a large build-up of material masking or protecting any surviving deposits, except perhaps on the northern fringe of the PDA where it ground levels start to slope down towards the river in the north. Therefore, it is highly likely that any development work which involves any ground disturbance may have a detrimental impact on any below ground heritage assets.
The construction of synthetic sports pitches is likely to involve significant landscaping and as such could be highly damaging to any surviving archaeological deposits. With regard to other sports pitches the potential impact is less clear and is highly dependent on the scope and scale of the work involved with any significant landscaping, again, having a detrimental effect on any surviving deposits.
The construction of new buildings and the creation of access routes is very likely to involve significant ground disturbance and as such would have a negative effect on any preserved archaeological deposits.
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4.
Mitigation measures
The PDA has low to moderate potential for archaeological deposits of Neolithic and Bronze Age date and also for Iron Age remains. The potential for Anglo-Saxon remains is also low to moderate while there is moderate potential for medieval and post medieval remains within the PDA. The preservation of such deposits is likely to be variable across the site.
At present no grounds have been identified on which the LPA might consider refusal of planning permission in order to achieve preservation in situ of any designated heritage assets such as Scheduled Monuments, or of important but non-designated heritage assets. However as the PDA has not been subject to any previous systematic archaeological investigation, the actual presence, nature and state of preservation of any such archaeological deposits is unknown.
National and local guidance recommends that potential archaeological sites are evaluated prior to the determination of any planning application to assess the nature and significance of any archaeological deposits present. Such investigations can then enable the LPA’s archaeological advisors to make informed decisions regarding heritage assets in respect of any planning application, and determine the need and scope for refusal of development to provide preservation in situ of important archaeological deposits, or a requirement for excavation and preservation by record prior to or during development, which can be imposed by conditions on planning consent. As a general principle mitigation would require that an adequate record is made of any archaeological features or finds which would otherwise be destroyed by the development. Further archaeological assessment of the PDA will be necessary through evaluation by trial trenching. This typically covers 5% of the area of the PDA and would enable the identification, assessment of extent, character, density and depth of the archaeological deposits present. An initial programme of geophysical survey may be of use to enable a targeted approach to this trial trenching. If this evaluation work identifies intact archaeological deposits which would be directly affected by the construction design then a further programme of open area excavation may be required.
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Purchasers of land should be aware that, until an evaluation is undertaken, it is usually impossible to define the extent of archaeological work that may be required on a site and equally difficult to calculate the likely cost and time implications. Bearing this in mind developers are strongly advised to undertake archaeological evaluations at the earliest opportunity to clarify the likely archaeological work required and its cost.
5.
Conclusions
Through an examination of the Suffolk HER, National Mapping Programme aerial photographic survey and National Heritage List for England, a cartographic search and a site inspection this DBA has set the PDA within its immediate archaeological landscape.
In general, the topographic location and known archaeology of the area suggests that there is moderate potential for encountering multi period archaeological remains within the PDA. The lack of intrusive archaeological investigation within the PDA means that the level of preservation of any remains present is unknown but it can be assumed that the degree of preservation across the site would be variable.
It is suggested that a geophysical survey, followed by trial trenched evaluation be carried out in order to further assess the archaeological potential of the PDA prior to any planning application in order to inform any necessary mitigation strategy.
6.
List of contributors and acknowledgements
This project was funded and commissioned by Darnton B3 Architects Ltd. The desk based assessment was carried out by Simon Picard of Suffolk Archaeology CIC.
Suffolk Archaeology would like to acknowledge Suffolk Historic Environment Record staff for their help in providing data for this report.
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Suffolk Archaeology CIC Unit 5 | Plot 11 | Maitland Road | Lion Barn Industrial Estate Needham Market | Suffolk | IP6 8NZ [email protected] 01449 900120 www.suffolkarchaeology.co.uk
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