Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD · Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate...

Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD Further assessment for Aggregate Minerals Site Options in Wiltshire and Swindon: Archaeology

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Summary of findings 2

3. Archaeological potential of the site options within the Upper Thames Valley Mineral Resource Zone

3

Site Option U2 3

Site Option U3 7

Site Option U4 10

Site Option U5 14

Site Option U6 18

Site Option U7 22

Site Option U9 27

Site Option U16 32

Site Option U17 35

Site Option U18 38

Site Option U22 41

Site Option U23 44

4. Archaeological potential of the site options within the Calne Area Mineral Resource Zone

48

Site Option C3 48

Site Option C15 50

Site Option C16 53

Site Option C18 55

5. Archaeological potential of the site options within the South East of Salisbury Mineral Resource Zone

58

Site Option SE1 58

Site Option SE2 61

Site Option SE3 63

6. Archaeological potential of the site options within the Salisbury Avon Mineral Resource Zone

65

Site Option SA1 65

Site Option SA2 68

7. Archaeological potential of the site options within the Bristol Avon Mineral Resource Zone

71

Site Option BA4 71

Appendix 1 English Heritage’s full statement on the principle of mineral extraction within areas designated as scheduled monuments

74

1

1. Introduction The Councils (Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council) consulted on an initial list of site options for soft sand and sand and gravel extraction in Wiltshire and Swindon from August to October 2010. The consultation document highlighted potential issues that might be associated with development of the sites and invited comments from various consultees including local communities. A number of consultees questioned the impacts that the site options might have on historic assets. Following consultation 40 site options were regarded as unlikely to be deliverable given the constraints to development and have consequently been dropped from further consideration. The 22 remaining site options have now been subject to further evidence gathering and assessment to ensure that any decision on their suitability is based on robust evidence and qualified professional judgement. As would be expected all of the remaining site options are in rural areas. The following pages provide context for each of the site options highlighting the issues that were raised during the consultation. Wiltshire Council’s Archaeology Service have reviewed the available information and provided archaeological data for each of the site options and a professional view on the archaeological potential for each of the sites. English Heritage provided a statement on their position regarding site options U6, U9 and U23 due to the fact that all or part of these sites are designated Scheduled Monuments.

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2. Summary of Findings Wiltshire Council’s Archaeology Service reviewed the available data in light of the comments submitted during consultation in 2010. Each site option was graded, in term of archaeological potential, as High (likely to object / significant mitigation required); Medium (mitigation likely); Low (mitigation unlikely). The table below summarises the conclusions of the assessment.

Area Site Ref Archaeological potential Upper Thames Valley U2 Uncertain Upper Thames Valley U3 High Upper Thames Valley U4 High Upper Thames Valley U5 High Upper Thames Valley U6 High. Scheduled Monument - Exclude Upper Thames Valley U7 Medium Upper Thames Valley U9 High. Scheduled Monument - Exclude Upper Thames Valley U16 Medium Upper Thames Valley U17 Medium Upper Thames Valley U18 Medium Upper Thames Valley U22 High Upper Thames Valley U23 High. Scheduled Monument - Exclude Calne Area C3 Low Calne Area C15 Low Calne Area C16 Low Calne Area C18 Medium South East of Salisbury SE1 Low South East of Salisbury SE2 Medium South East of Salisbury SE3 Medium Salisbury Avon SA1 Medium Salisbury Avon SA2 High Bristol Avon BA4 High The following sections of this document provide the details of finds and features recorded on the Wiltshire and Swindon Historic Environment Record (HER), and the view of the County Archaeologist and English Heritage where applicable, on the archaeological potential for each of the site options.

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3. Archaeological potential of the site options within the Upper Thames Valley Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option U2

Size (ha): 10.2 Context The site option is located adjacent to the Wiltshire / Gloucestershire boundary and is in agricultural use. The surrounding area is also predominantly agricultural in use. The nearest settlement is Meysey Hampton to the west. There are also dwellings adjacent to western and southern boundaries of the potential site and in close proximity at Marston Hill. The nearest main road is the A417 approximately 150m to the north, although the existing access road linking the site with the A417 is weight restricted to 7.5 tonnes. The land adjacent to U2, in Gloucestershire is allocated as a Preferred Area for sand and gravel extraction in the Gloucestershire Minerals Local Plan.

Northings: 413100 Eastings: 200100 Resource type: sharp sand and gravel Current use: agricultural Estimated resource yield: 355,250 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation HER data for this site held in Gloucestershire. There is evidence of archaeology in field adjacent to this site which would suggest potential for similar within U2

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Undated track. Surface finds of Romano-British redware. Possible indications in cropmarks of track possibly related to ‘native’ Roman settlement in the area, the track possibly extending into Wiltshire. Evidence of long term use from Neolithic period to modern day. Ring ditches at 3223 possibly from bronze age.

County Archaeologist view of archaeological potential (High, Medium, Low)

Uncertain

Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No

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AREA 2505 DESCRIPTION1

:-

A wide undated track shows as cropmarks on level ground north-west of Lady Lamb's Copse. There are indications of settlement to north-east and also across the County boundary in Wiltshire. During a site visit, deep ploughing had rendered identification of any earthworks impossible in two of the relevant fields and no features were identified within the two pasture fields. In a field under spring wheat, an indistinct linear depression, which may have formed part of the track, runs from SP 1330 0024 to SP 1330 0015. No evidence for date was found. Surface finds of flint fragments and a single piece of probable Romano-British redware from two of the fields are of little guidance in an area where such finds are quite common. {Source Work 862.} Track (SP 133 003), notably wide, undated, north-west of Lady Lamb's Copse, shows as cropmarks on level ground in the plain. There are indications of settlement to the north-east and also to the south-west, across the county boundary into Wiltshire. Many of the ditched tracks seen as cropmarks on aerial photographs in the Cotswolds are probably related to 'native' settlements which existed in the Roman period. The majority occur on the gravels of the Upper Thames notably in Fairford. {Source Work 403.} Linear features (formerly SMR 3224) show as cropmarks at SP 1348 0035 (pers comm R Hingley, GCCAS, 1983). {Source Work 2924.} 1993 - Between September and October 1993 Oxford Archaeology Unit carried out a field evaluation at Lady Lamb Farm. 144 evaluation trenches were excavated. The site showed long-term use from the late Neolithic to the present day. There are two ring ditches on the site which are probably remnants of Bronze Age burial mounds (see SMR 3223). Long-term boundaries aligned roughly north-south were established by the Early Iron Age. One of these boundaries was a bank with flanking ditches and another large pit alignment. The rest were large ditches that probably had associated banks. The boundaries divided areas of settlement activity shown by pits and postholes. There was at least one, possibly two early Saxon buildings. Undated burials had been inserted into the banked boundary {Source Work 4491.} 1993 - This area was mapped at 1:10,000 scale as part of the English Heritage: Thames Valley NMP project. An undated trackway was seen as cropmarks and mapped on air photographs. This was a single linear feature, defined by two ditches between 6m and 12m apart. From SP 1310 0036, the feature runs eastward in a straight line for 190m. At SP 1328 0037, it turns abruptly southwards and runs in a sinuous manner for over 400m, before disappearing at SP 1341 0002. The cropmark evidence confirms that the linear depression noted by the Ordnance Survey {Source Work 862, above}, does indeed form part of the trackway. A second trackway runs approximately north-south from SP 1362 0027 to SP 1348 0004 and may be contemporary with the first (Morph No. TG.111.1.1). Possible gravel pits of unknown date were seen as cropmarks on aerial photographs at SP 1336 0034, SP 1355 0031, SP 1356 0029, SP 1364 0035 and SP 1366 0045. The five medium size (4-15m), mixed shape features were arranged in a random pattern (Morph No. TG.111.3.1). Another possible gravel pit of unknown date was located at SP 1366 0043. This was a large (15-50m), oblong feature (Morph No. TG.111.3.3). Four possible pits of unknown date were visible at SP 1338 0037 and SP 1368 0045. These were small (1-4m), round features, arranged in a random pattern (Morph No. TG.111.3.2).

1 Note: Gloucestershire County Council provided data for site option U2 because it is located in an area that was formerly within the Gloucestershire boundary.

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Possible ditches of unknown date were seen as cropmarks on aerial photographs at SP 1337 0039, SP 1364 0043 and SP 1348 0027. These were linear features in a disordered pattern, each defined by one ditch with a maximum length of 112m (Morph No. TG.111.4.1). A possible trackway of unknown date was centred on SP 1356 0014. This was a single linear feature, defined by two ditches with a maximum length of 272m. It extended between SP 1362 0027 and SP 1348 0004 (Morph No. TG.111.4.2). A possible field boundary of unknown date could be seen as cropmarks extending between SP 1390 0053 and SP 1394 0018. This was a single linear feature, defined by one ditch with a maximum length of 240m and centred at SP 1388 0034 (Morph No. TG.111.5.1). A probable enclosure of unknown date was visible as a cropmark on aerial photographs at SP 1393 0026. This was a square enclosure, 20m by 20m, defined by one ditch (Morph No. TG.111.6.1). These descriptions were generated from the RCHME MORPH2 database. {Source Works 4249, 7746, 3122, 2924 and 7271.}

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Site Option U3

Size (ha): 106.1 Context The site option is situated adjacent to the active military airbase at RAF Fairford and is currently in agricultural use interspersed with copses and dense hedgerows. Area U3 is in close proximity to and overlooked by dwellings at Marston Meysey (to the west), Dunfield (north east) and Cox’s Farm (east). The site is characteristic of the area; essentially flat with views across the site in places where vegetation does not offer natural screening (there are views across the site from the C124).

Northings: 413500 Eastings: 197000 Resource type: sharp sand and gravel Current use: agricultural Estimated resource yield: 2,400,000 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation Area of high archaeological value (County Archaeologist). U3 has several settlements. Care should be taken to consider the evidence of Roman, Bronze Age and Medieval activity on the site.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER To south west of site a series of undated features, possibly ring ditches, enclosures, and trackways (642 – 646). Along the southern boundary there are settlement features, including a pit (612, 633 both undated). Features that may relate to a further settlement (627 undated) have been found to the west of the site, and an undated field system. Within the surrounding area finds relating to the Iron Age and Romano British period have been noted at the village of Marston Meysey to the west.


Area of High Potential

Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. However, in light of the high archaeological potential of the area, the County Archaeologist holds significant reservations about the suitability of this site for sand and gravel extraction.

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mapsmr NGR Class Period Scheduled Monument

Origin Date Description

SU19NW201 SU12659705 Findspot Iron Age

12-Jun-84

Iron Age pottery fragments

SU19NW206 SU13469644 Enclosure Iron Age

26-Sep-94

Part of an Iron Age enclosure excavated in 1991.

SU19NW300 SU127971 Findspot Romano-British

25-Oct-78

Romano-British pottery fragments.

SU19NW303 SU12659705

Unassociated finds

Romano-British

12-Jun-84


SU19NW450 SU12779716 Settlement

Late Medieval

25-Oct-78

Village with Medieval origins.

SU19NW453 SU14139718 Settlement

Late Medieval

30-Jun-83

Farmstead with Medieval origins.

SU19NW600 SU12549726

Rectangular Enclosure Undated

26-Oct-78

Undated rectangular enclosures and linear features.

SU19NW602 SU12599729 Ring ditch Undated

26-Oct-78 Undated ring ditch.


26-Oct-78 Undated ring ditch.

SU19NW611 SU12649707 Settlement Undated

26-Oct-78

Undated settlement site.

SU19NW612 SU13629671 Pit alignment Undated A series of undated pits.

SU19NW620 SU12809656 Trackway Undated

26-Oct-78

Undated ditched trackway.


14-Sep-82 Undated settlement.


25-Aug-95

An undated possible ring ditch.


25-Aug-95

An undated possible ring ditch.

SU19NW632 SU13019664 Field system Undated

17-Sep-90

Undated field system excavated in 1991.


Undated settlement features.

SU19NW641 SU12729765 Site Undated

12-Dec-90

Undated and unclassified features, possibly geological in origin.


25-Aug-95

A possible undated ring ditch.


25-Aug-95

The site of a possible undated ring ditch.

SU19NW644 SU14119678 Enclosure Undated

28-Aug-95

An undated enclosure associated with a linear ditch.

SU19NW645 SU14059685 Trackway Undated

25-Aug-95

An undated trackway, probably Medieval.


25-Aug-95

An undated enclosure and linear cropmark.

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Site Option U4

Size (ha): 49.7 Context The site option comprises three units separated by single track roads. It is currently in agricultural use, and Blackburr Farm is located within the site option. The site is located in close proximity to and overlooked to some extent by dwellings at Castle Eaton (approximately 250m south east of the site option) and occupants of the Second Chance Touring Park, which lies adjacent to the south western corner of the site. The site and surrounding area is broadly flat (the village of Castle Eaton is slightly elevated in relation to the site) with views across the site in places where vegetation does not offer natural screening.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation There is potential Iron Age, Roman and other activity on this site relating to settlement, enclosure, pits, ditches and ancient field systems. The relationship to the Castle Eaton Iron Age, Roman and other Conservation Area is relevant. Area of high archaeological potential (County Archaeologist).

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER To west of site evidence of field system (613 undated). Two undated square enclosures found in south and south eastern part of site (638, 639). In the immediate area Iron Age settlement and Romano British trackway to west (205, 304) and to south east an undated settlement and finds relating to Iron Age and Medieval periods (200,400, 650). To the north possible ring ditch features (631, 642 643 undated) and trackway and enclosure (644, 645 undated).


Area of high potential.


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SU19NW200 SU14669596 Findspot Iron Age 08-Nov-

83 Iron Age pottery fragments

SU19NW205 SU13539629 Settlement Iron Age 20-Sep-

94 Iron Age settlement excavated in 1991.

SU19NW206 SU13469644 Enclosure Iron Age 26-Sep-

94

Part of an Iron Age enclosure excavated in 1991.


08-Nov-83


SU19NW304 SU13539630 Trackway Romano-British

20-Sep-94

Romano-British droveway excavated in 1991.

SU19NW400 SU14629607 Findspot

Early Medieval (Saxon)

02-Nov-83

Saxon decorated horse-bit.

SU19NW451 SU14659582 Settlement Late Medieval

25-Oct-78


SU19NW452 SU14659594 Cross Late Medieval SM28950

22-Feb-83

Medieval village cross-base and part of the shaft.

SU19NW454 SU14889587 Findspot Late Medieval

14-Nov-83

Medieval pottery fragments.


14-Nov-83


SU19NW456 SU13499630 Single find Late Medieval

27-Sep-94

Medieval pottery fragment.

SU19NW612 SU13629671 Pit alignment Undated A series of undated pits.


26-Oct-78

Undated field system trenched in 1991.

SU19NW621 SU13179602 Road Undated 26-Oct-

78 Probable undated road excavated in 1991.

SU19NW623 SU13449610 Round Barrow

Bronze Age

26-Oct-78

Bronze Age round barrow excavated in 1991.

SU19NW625 SU13349586 Ring ditch Undated 16-Feb-

82 Bronze Age ring ditch.

SU19NW629 SU14409679 Ring ditch Undated 25-Aug-

95 An undated possible ring ditch.


95 An undated possible ring ditch.

SU19NW633 SU13629669 Settlement Undated Undated settlement features.

SU19NW634 SU13389605 Ring ditch Undated 04-Oct-

90

An undated ring ditch associated with a linear ditch.

SU19NW635 SU13249610 Ditch Undated 04-Oct-

90

An undated linear ditch associated with a ring ditch.

SU19NW638 SU14349615 Square Enclosure Undated

13-Dec-90

An undated double-ditched enclosure.

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An undated square enclosure with associated linear features.


95 A possible undated ring ditch.


95 The site of a possible undated ring ditch.

SU19NW644 SU14119678 Enclosure Undated 28-Aug-

95

An undated enclosure associated with a linear ditch.

SU19NW645 SU14059685 Trackway Undated 25-Aug-

95 An undated trackway, probably Medieval.

SU19NW646 SU13869676 Enclosure Undated 25-Aug-

95 An undated enclosure and linear cropmark.

SU19NW649 SU14029566 Linear feature Undated

23-Apr-98 Undated features.

SU19NW650 SU14689602 Settlement Undated 23-Apr-

98 Undated settlement features.

SU19NW652 SU14949627 Site Undated 23-Apr-

98 Undated linear and circular cropmarks.

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Site Option U5

Size (ha): 75.6 Context The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses. A lens of willow coppice is located within the site, surrounded by established trees. The site is bounded on the northern and western sides by the River Thames. Part of the site is exposed to open views from Second Chance caravan /camping site, separated by the River Thames. Dwellings in Castle Eaton (approximately 250m east of the site), and those along the road leading to Castle Eaton (North Farm, Plague cottages, Water Eaton cottages) are in proximity to the site. There is a quarry operating immediately north of the River Thames beyond the northern boundary of the site at Roundhouse Farm.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation Area of high archaeological potential. Area is likely to contain important archaeology as it is adjacent to known activity. Potentially there is a bronze age barrow on the site. The relationship with Castle Eaton Conservation Area is also relevant.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within the site is a number of undated linear features (647, 649) and a ring ditch (625) probably Bronze Age in origin. To the north west of site, across the River Thames, are a series of undated ring ditches 605 – 609). To the north 2 Bronze Age barrow features (622, 623), undated road (621), undated ring ditch (634), and romano-british trackway (304).




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SU19NW200 SU14669596 Findspot Iron Age 08-Nov-

83 Iron Age pottery fragments

SU19NW205 SU13539629 Settlement Iron Age 20-Sep-

94

Iron Age settlement excavated in 1991.


08-Nov-83



08-Nov-83

Romano-British coins and pottery fragments.

SU19NW304 SU13539630 Trackway Romano-British

20-Sep-94

Romano-British droveway excavated in 1991.

SU19NW451 SU14659582 Settlement Late Medieval

25-Oct-78


SU19NW452 SU14659594 Cross Late Medieval SM28950

22-Feb-83

Medieval village cross-base and part of the shaft.


14-Nov-83


SU19NW457 SU14439667 Ditch Late Medieval

14-Jan-05

Three Medieval ditches were revealed during an evaluation excavation in 2004.

SU19NW604 SU12929601 Ring ditch Undated AM901 26-Oct-

78 Undated ring ditch.












26-Oct-78

Undated field system trenched in 1991.

SU19NW618 SU12439541 Settlement Undated 26-Oct-

78 Undated settlement.

SU19NW621 SU13179602 Road Undated 26-Oct-

78

Probable undated road excavated in 1991.


Bronze Age

26-Oct-78



Bronze Age

26-Oct-78




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SU19NW626 SU12909573 Field system Undated AM901

An undated field system.

SU19NW634 SU13389605 Ring ditch Undated 04-Oct-

90

An undated ring ditch associated with a linear ditch.

SU19NW635 SU13249610 Ditch Undated 04-Oct-

90

An undated linear ditch associated with a ring ditch.


13-Dec-90

An undated double-ditched enclosure.


An undated square enclosure with associated linear features.

SU19NW647 SU13279507 Ditch Undated 02-Mar-

98 Undated linear feature.


02-Mar-98

Undated linear feature showing as a crop mark on an aerial photograph.


23-Apr-98 Undated features.

SU19NW650 SU14689602 Settlement Undated 23-Apr-

98

Undated settlement features.

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Site Option U6

Size (ha): 20.1 Context The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses. The eastern boundary of the site borders the River Thames and Eisey West copse is located adjacent to the site’s western boundary. There are no properties within 500m of the site boundary. The site option is within 500m of the C124 and the A419 is approximately 3km south west of the site. Land adjacent to the site option is allocated in the Minerals Local Plan as a preferred area for sand and gravel extraction and is currently the subject of a planning application. The entire site area is classed as a Scheduled Monument. There is a quarry operating approximately 800m to the north east of the site option at Roundhouse Farm.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation We note U6 is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and so any designation would be inappropriate without with the agreement of English Heritage. Area of high archaeological value.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER A series of undated ring ditches and field system are within the site (604 – 609, 626; also scheduled AM901). Within the immediate area, to the south west there is an undated settlement (618), to the north there is a feature that is probably a road, a Bronze Age barrow and an Iron Age settlement. The path of the former Wilts and Berks canal runs adjacent to the north western boundary of the site.



English Heritage Statement The allocation of land designated a scheduled monument for mineral extraction at a local planning level is not compatible with the statutory framework embodied in PPS5 and MPS 1. Such an allocation would not accord with current guidance jointly agreed by the commercial extractive sector and English Heritage, as expressed in the Minerals and Historic Environment Forum publication of 2008. The English Heritage position is clearly set out in our policy guidance document of 2006 and does not support such an allocation. A brief review of recent planning history, combined with a thorough study of the regional heritage asset in relation to potential mineral extraction areas shows that recorded archaeological sites generally form

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only a part of an extensive complex of remains that incorporate areas and individual elements of high sensitivity. Such assets often only become apparent as the result of intensive archaeological investigation implemented as part of mitigation measures required by local planning authorities and English Heritage. In short, English Heritage would therefore not support the allocation of land designated a scheduled monument for mineral extraction.

Absolute constraint? (Y/N) Yes – Site is a Scheduled Monument.

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mapsmr NGR Class Period Scheduled Monument Description

SU09NE530 SU091952 Industrial site Recent

The Wilts and Berks Canal plus the junction with the Thames and Severn Canal.

SU19NW100 SU12879638 Non Antiquity Neolithic

Possible Neolithic causewayed enclosure. 1992 - Now known to be geological.

SU19NW203 SU13089612 Settlement Iron Age Iron Age settlement site revealed during excavation in 1991.

SU19NW204 SU12909621 Enclosure Iron Age Iron Age enclosure excavated in 1991. SU19NW604 SU12929601 Ring ditch Undated AM901 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW605 SU12839591 Ring ditch Undated AM901 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW606 SU12849586 Ring ditch Undated AM901 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW607 SU12879588 Ring ditch Undated AM901 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW608 SU12979575 Ring ditch Undated AM901 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW609 SU12999579 Ring ditch Undated AM901 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW618 SU12439541 Settlement Undated Undated settlement. SU19NW621 SU13179602 Road Undated Probable undated road excavated in 1991.


Bronze Age


SU19NW626 SU12909573 Field system Undated AM901 An undated field system.

SU19NW630 SU12909622 Trackway Undated Undated trackway.

SU19NW635 SU13249610 Ditch Undated An undated linear ditch associated with a ring ditch.

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Site Option U7

Size (ha): 172.6 Context The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land that is typically Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. The north west boundary of the site is delineated by the River Thames, along which runs the Thames Path National Trail. There is also another PRoW that crosses the site. The nearest settlements are Cricklade to the west and Castle Eaton to the northeast, although there are a number of closer dwellings located adjacent to and in proximity to the site option. The site is crossed by an oil pipeline and low level power lines. The site is adjacent to the Cricklade junction of the A419. Eysey Quarry is in operation in close proximity to the north west of the site.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation Medium archaeological potential. Some possible former water meadow features in the middle of U7. The setting of Calcutt Farmhouse and adjacent Roman Road needs to be appreciated as well as consideration of the shrunken Medieval village.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within site possible water meadow features (530), some late medieval finds (481, 484, 486, 487, 488) and an undated ring ditch (619). Within the immediate area a series of Medieval and late Medieval finds and features have been recorded.


Area of medium potential.

Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. Mitigation likely to be required.

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mapsmr NGR Class Period

Scheduled

Monument


SU09NE530 SU091952 Industrial site Recent 08-Jan-07

The Wilts and Berks Canal plus the junction with the Thames and Severn Canal.

SU19NW606 SU12849586 Ring ditch Undated AM901 26-Oct-78 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW608 SU12979575 Ring ditch Undated AM901 26-Oct-78 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW609 SU12999579 Ring ditch Undated AM901 26-Oct-78 Undated ring ditch. SU19NW610 SU11109519 Ring ditch Undated 26-Oct-78 Possible Medieval enclosure. SU19NW615 SU11489514 Trackway Undated 26-Oct-78 Undated ditched trackway. SU19NW616 SU11979551 Trackway Undated 26-Oct-78 Undated ditched trackway. SU19NW617 SU12099526 Site Undated 26-Oct-78 Undated cropmarks. SU19NW618 SU12439541 Settlement Undated 26-Oct-78 Undated settlement. SU19NW619 SU12219551 Ring ditch Undated 26-Oct-78 Undated ring ditch.

SU19NW624 SU11279513 Enclosure Undated Undated enclosure and ring ditch.



SU19NW626 SU12909573 Field system Undated AM901 An undated field system.

SU19NW647 SU13279507 Ditch Undated 02-Mar-

98 Undated linear feature.

SU19SW150 SU112946 Findspot Bronze Age 28-Jul-95 A Bronze Age bracelet.

SU19SW202 SU11759260 Findspot Iron Age 02-Dec-

87 Iron Age coin.

SU19SW204 SU11089463 Pit Iron Age 25-Jul-00

A pit containing early Iron Age pottery, fired clay and animal bone fragments was revealed during an evaluation excavation in 1999.

SU19SW205 SU11279485 Settlement Iron Age 26-Jul-00

Evidence of Iron Age settlement was found in Site 5 of an evaluation excavation in 1999.

SU19SW206 SU11049424 Settlement Iron Age 26-Jul-00

Early and middle Iron Age occupation evidence was revealed during an evaluation excavation in 1999.

SU19SW300 SU10009450 Road Romano-British

09-Nov-78

Romano-British road, one part was excavated in 1982.

SU19SW301 SU13709266 Road Romano-British

09-Nov-78

Possible Romano-British road revealed during an evaluation excavation

SU19SW303 SU11699257 Building Romano-British

SM31664

09-Nov-78

Foundations of a Romano-British building excavated in 1952, and again in 1988.

SU19SW312 SU11909265 Findspot Romano-British

09-Nov-78


SU19SW325 SU10969439 Linear feature

Romano-British 25-Jul-00

Romano-British pottery fragments were found in the fills of two features excavated during an evaluation in 1999.

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Scheduled

Monument


SU19SW326 SU11459255 Settlement Romano-British 12-Apr-01

Evidence of a Romano-British settlement dating right through from an early to late date was excavated in 2000.

SU19SW327 SU122932 Single find Romano-British

05-Mar-03

A single sherd of Romano-British pottery was recovered during an evaluation excavation in 2002.

SU19SW328 SU131927 Unassociated finds

Romano-British

07-Mar-03

Romano-British pottery recovered during an evaluation excavation in 2002.


Romano-British

07-Mar-03

Romano-British pottery was recovered during a watching brief in 2002.

SU19SW401 SU11459255 Settlement


02-Dec-83

A) Saxon pottery fragments. B) Saxon settlement features excavated in 2000.

SU19SW403 SU120934 Single find


06-Mar-03

A Saxon spearhead was found during an evaluation in 2002.

SU19SW404 SU12509360 Findspot


06-Feb-04 A Saxon coin


Late Medieval

09-Nov-78

Medieval pottery fragments and ironwork.

SU19SW455 SU11369437 Settlement Late Medieval

09-Nov-78

Hamlet with Medieval origins. Earthworks visible.


09-Nov-78 Village with Medieval origins.


09-Nov-78 Hamlet with Medieval origins.

SU19SW467 SU12579338 Settlement Late Medieval 30-Jun-83 Area with Medieval origins.

SU19SW468 SU11189404 Findspot Late Medieval

02-Nov-83 Medieval spoon.

SU19SW479 SU113948 Findspot Late Medieval 13-Oct-98

A Medieval shield-shaped mount.

SU19SW481 SU122939 Findspot Late Medieval 13-Oct-98 A Medieval lead weight.

SU19SW484 SU10969439 Ditch Late Medieval 25-Jul-00

A NE-SW aligned ditch produced a single fragment of pottery during an evaluation excavation in 1999.


05-Mar-03

A Medieval settlement including a building was excavated during 2002.

SU19SW486 SU112931 Ridge and Furrow

Late Medieval

15-Aug-03

Medieval ridge and furrow fields were excavated using trial trenches during 2003.

SU19SW487 SU126939 Findspot Late Medieval 13-Oct-98

Medieval buckle and buckle plates.


Late Medieval

06-Feb-04

Many Medieval coins and other artefacts.

SU19SW489 SU11259348 Associated finds

Late Medieval

11-Sep-06

Medieval pottery and a fragment of tile found during a

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Scheduled

Monument


Watching Brief in 2003.

SU19SW528 SU11069421 Linear feature

Post Medieval 25-Jul-00

Post Medieval ditches found in Trench 70 of an evaluation excavation in 1999 and seen as earthworks on the ground by the archaeologists from Cotswold Arch Trust

SU19SW529 SU10919466 Ditch Post Medieval 25-Jul-00

Post Medieval water-management ditches were excavated during an evaluation in 1999.

SU19SW530 SU12339370 Watermeadow

Post Medieval

06-Feb-04

An area of earthworks, thought to be watermeadows

SU19SW531 SU11129427 Settlement Post Medieval

26-Mar-04

Post Medieval activity was revealed during an excavation in 2003.

SU19SW600 SU13719300 Circular Enclosure Undated

13-Nov-78

Undated 'Highworth Circle'. (Medieval enclosure).

SU19SW609 SU12919355 Site Undated 14-Nov-

78 Undated cropmarks.

SU19SW613 SU11309474 Ring ditch Undated 16-Nov-




SU19SW615 SU10969449 Settlement Undated 16-Nov-


SU19SW618 SU11239480 Trackway Undated 16-Nov-

78 Undated ditched trackway.



SU19SW620 SU13209240 Field system Undated

16-Nov-78 Undated field system.

SU19SW621 SU12029270 Site Undated 16-Nov-




SU19SW632 SU13419094 Trackway Undated 23-Apr-98 Two undated parallel curvilinear features.

SU19SW638 SU10919466 Ditch Undated 25-Jul-00

Four small undated ditches were revealed during an evaluation excavation in 1999.

SU19SW639 SU10959452 Pits Undated 25-Jul-00

Two undated pits were revealed during an evaluation excavation in 1999.

SU19SW640 SU10859485 Ditch Undated 25-Jul-00

Two undated linear ditches were excavated in Site 7 of an evaluation in 1999.

SU19SW641 SU11769480 Settlement Undated 25-Jul-00

Undated postholes, gullies and ditches were revealed in evaluation excavation trenches in 1999.

SU19SW643 SU12679287 Trackway Undated 05-Mar-

03

A substantial metalled trackway was excavated during 2002.

27

Site Option U9

Size (ha): 42.1 Context The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land that is typically Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Cricklade is less than 1km south of the site and the settlement of Latton is located adjacent to the site’s north west boundary. The A419 runs in proximity to the south west boundary of the site and the south east boundary abuts the C124. A significant part of the site is classed as a Scheduled Monument. Eysey Quarry is in operation in close proximity to the south east of the site.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation Area of high archaeological potential. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument – A Roman settlement. The Romano-British scheduled monument demonstrates the historic significance of the site. There are also adjacent listed buildings and the likelihood of evidence of prehistoric activity.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within the site are a series of undated ring ditches (600 – 603), features associated with Romano-British settlement (303 – 305), and Late Medieval enclosure all of which are scheduled AM900). A roman road (300) runs adjacent to site. In the immediate area are numerous finds relating to Romano-British, Medieval and Iron Age periods.



English Heritage Statement The allocation of land designated a scheduled monument for mineral extraction at a local planning level is not compatible with the statutory framework embodied in PPS 5 and MPS 1. Such an allocation would not accord with current guidance jointly agreed by the commercial extractive sector and English Heritage, as expressed in the Minerals and Historic Environment Forum publication of 2008. The English Heritage position is clearly set out in our policy guidance document of 2006 and does not support such an allocation. A brief review of recent planning history, combined with a thorough study of the regional heritage asset in relation to potential mineral extraction areas shows that recorded archaeological sites generally form only a part of an extensive complex of remains that incorporate areas and individual

28

elements of high sensitivity. Such assets often only become apparent as the result of intensive archaeological investigation implemented as part of mitigation measures required by local planning authorities and English Heritage. In short, English Heritage would therefore not support the allocation of land designated a scheduled monument for mineral extraction.

Absolute constraint? (Y/N) Yes – site is a Scheduled Monument

30


Scheduled

Monument Description

SU09NE100 SU09629501 Pit Neolithic Neolithic pit.

SU09NE300 SU08329643 Road Romano-British Roman road.

SU09NE301 SU094953 Findspot Romano-British Romano-British pottery fragments.

SU09NE303 SU09909543 Settlement Romano-British AM900

Settlement visible as extensive cropmarks. Probably 2 Romano-British buildings and a triple-ditched enclosure and a trackway leading to the settlement.

SU09NE304 SU09539509 Pit Romano-British AM900

Romano-British pits containing pottery fragments.

SU09NE305 SU09589505 Site Romano-British AM900

Romano-British building debris. Site of Roman building.

SU09NE306 SU09519500 Associated finds

Romano-British

Romano-British pottery fragments scattered over an extensive area.

SU09NE308 SU09529518 Pit Romano-British

Two large pits containing Romano-British pottery fragments.

SU09NE318 SU09549510 Industrial site Romano-British

A possible Romano-British quarry was excavated in 1997.

SU09NE450 SU09339574 Settlement Late Medieval

Medieval settlement site. A coin hoard was found in about 1900.

SU09NE452 SU09639501 Unassociated finds

Late Medieval Medieval pottery fragments.

SU09NE458 SU09299527 Building Late Medieval

A Medieval limestone building was revealed during an excavation in 1997. Pottery and related stratigraphy suggest a date of 13th/14th century. Pits were revealed.

SU09NE526 SU09209529 Site Undated Undated earthworks, possibly Post Medieval property boundaries.

SU09NE528 SU093955 Quarry Pits Post Medieval

Post-Medieval pits and quarry pits were revealed during an evaluation in 2003

SU09NE600 SU09879519 Ring ditch Undated AM900 Undated ring ditch. SU09NE601 SU09889521 Ring ditch Undated AM900 Undated ring ditch. SU09NE602 SU09789512 Ring ditch Undated AM900 Undated ring ditch.

SU09NE603 SU09739505 Rectangular Enclosure Undated AM900 An undated rectangular enclosure.

SU09NE613 SU095961 Site Undated Undated cropmarks, possible old droveways?

SU09NE615 SU09799528 Trackway Romano-British AM900

Undated trackway most likely Romano-British.

SU09NE618 SU09519552 Enclosure Late Medieval AM900

Undated enclosures possibly Romano-British.

SU09NE628 SU09109565 Site Undated

Undated features thought to be associated with gravel extraction and possible plough furrows were observed in an evaluation excavation in 1999.

SU09SE301 SU09779473 Road Romano-British Romano-British road.

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Scheduled


SU09SE304 SU09699490 Unclassified feature

Romano-British

Romano-British pottery fragments found in pits.

SU09SE455 SU09889462 Findspot Late Medieval Medieval pottery fragments.

SU09SE456 SU09969461 Findspot Late Medieval Medieval pottery fragments.

SU09SE494 SU09629490 Site Undated Medieval pottery and evidence of occupation

SU09SE609 SU09689498 Rectangular Enclosure Undated AM900 Undated rectangular enclosure.

SU19SW203 SU10449479 Settlement Iron Age

Undated rectangular enclosure, three sides of which were identified during an evaluation excavation in 1999.

SU19SW628 SU10189472 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch. SU19SW629 SU10339484 Site Undated Undated cropmarks

32

Site Option U16

Size (ha): 62.7 Context The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 3 and 4 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. The nearest settlement is Ashton Keynes, less than 1km to the north of the site option and there are a few farmstead/private residencies located adjacent to the east and west boundaries of the site. The Chancel, Waterhay County Wildlife Site is entirely within the site. There is also a small lake and copse on site, which appear to be managed for nature conservation. The site option is crossed by a number of PRoW. The site is within approximately 550m of the B4696 part of the Local Lorry Route. Existing roads around the area are single track lanes in places and the site is surrounded by 7.5t weight restrictions on all but the western boundary. The nearest quarry to the site option is at Cleveland Farm to the north.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation Medium potential for archaeology (likely mitigation required). Known archaeological features in U14, U17 and U18. Potential for evidence of early medieval earthworks/settlement, Prehistoric or Roman activity in area.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER No features within site. Undated earthworks, field system and ditches recorded in proximity to site (611, 623, 617), and Medieval earthworks (618) recorded in proximity to site.



Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. Some mitigation may be required.

34


SU09SE611 SU05499363

Non Antiquity Undated

Undated earthworks, found to be water courses by Wessex Archaeology during archaeological evaluation.

SU09SE623 SU05769345 Ditch Undated Two small undated ditches.

SU09SW617 SU04489272

Field system Undated Undated field system.

SU09SW618 SU04819236

Field system Undated

Medieval type earthworks probably a former farmstead.

35

Site Option U17

Size (ha): 13.0 Context The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 3 and 4 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. The nearest settlement is Ashton Keynes approximately 600m to the north, although there are a number of dwellings located within 100-200m of the site option. The western boundary of the site is marked by the B4696 and the site is within 130m of the B4696 part of the Local Lorry Route. Existing roads around the area are single track lanes in places and the site is surrounded by 7.5t weight restrictions. The nearest quarry to the site option is at Manor Farm to the northwest.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation Medium potential for archaeology (likely mitigation required). Known archaeological features in U14, U17 and U18. Potential for evidence of early Medieval earthworks/settlement, Prehistoric or Roman activity in area.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Site contains features of undated field system (617).




37

mapsmr NGR Class Period Scheduled Monument updated Description


Undated field system.

38

Site Option U18

Size (ha): 42.4 Context The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 3 and 4 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. The nearest settlement is Ashton Keynes less than 1km north of the site, although there are a number of dwellings around 100-200m from the site option. Adjacent to the western boundary of the site is Swillbrook Field County Wildlife Site. The site has potential for access to the B4696 part of the Local Lorry Route. The nearest quarry to the site option is at Manor Farm to the north.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation Medium potential for archaeology (likely mitigation required). Known archaeological features in U14, U17 and U18. Potential for evidence of early Medieval earthworks/settlement, Prehistoric or Roman activity in area.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Undated field system recorded within site (617), an undated rectangular enclosure (601 straddles the western boundary of site. Within the immediate area an undated barrow has been recorded to the west of the site (600).




40


SU09SW600 SU03989299 Round Barrow Undated An undated barrow.

SU09SW601 SU04209248 Rectangular Enclosure Undated An undated rectangular enclosure.

SU09SW616 SU03959335 Ditch Undated Undated ditch system, probably drainage.

SU09SW617 SU04489272 Field system Undated Undated field system.


Medieval type earthworks probably a former farmstead.

41

Site Option U22

Size (ha): 14.4 Context The site options (U22 and U23) are located to the east of Keynes Country Park (consisting of lakes used for recreation and either side of Cotswold Community School (which includes residential buildings). As of July 2011 the school will close permanently and associated residential buildings will no longer be occupied. The area is situated in proximity to the Wiltshire / Gloucestershire boundary and is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. The nearest settlement is Ashton Keynes, approximately 1.6km to the south east of the site option. The nearest operational quarry is at Shorncote to the north of the site. The southern boundary of the site is formed by the western spine road, approximately 850m from the point at which it becomes part of the Local Lorry Route (eastern spine road - B4696). The spine road cycle track also runs along the southern perimeter of the site.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation • Known sites of national importance - several features impact on the setting of SAM

and of listed buildings in proximity in site. • Potential for site containing evidence of iron age/roman occupation. • Area of high potential - several features in U22.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within the site an undated ring ditch (608) and Romano-British trackway (612). Within the immediate area a Neolithic henge monument and a Saxon building (400) to the north (100). A number of undated ring ditches to east of site.




43


Scheduled


SU09NW100 SU03279559 Henge monument Neolithic

A possible Neolithic henge monument was excavated during 2002.

SU09NW152 SU03289592 Settlement Bronze Age

A Bronze-Age settlement site was excavated in 1994 ahead of a mineral extraction proposal.

SU09NW201 SU03289618 Settlement Iron Age

Possible Iron Age activity consisting pits and postholes was excavated in 1999.

SU09NW400 SU03189589 Building


A Saxon post-built building was excavated during 2002.

SU09NW525 SU03659587 Cemetery Recent A Post Medieval or recent Quaker burial ground

SU09NW606 SU03499545 Ring ditch Undated Undated ring ditch. SU09NW608 SU03329575 Ring ditch Undated Undated ring ditch.

SU09NW612 SU03269572 Trackway Romano-British A series of undated linear earthworks.

SU09NW613 SU03819543 Settlement Undated AM902 Undated settlement site of Romano-British type.

SU09NW622 SU03349574 Ring ditch Undated Undated ring ditch SU09NW623 SU03369573 Ring ditch Undated Undated ring ditch.

SU09NW624 SU03259613 Ditch Undated An undated ditch was excavated in 1999, but produced no dating evidence.


A possible single ditched polygonal enclosure of unknown date, seen as cropmarks on aerial photographs.

44

Site Option U23

Size (ha): 19.8 Context The site options (U22 and U23) are located to the east of Keynes Country Park (consisting of lakes used for recreation and either side of Cotswold Community School (which includes residential buildings). As of July 2011 the school will close permanently and associated residential buildings will no longer be occupied. The area is situated in proximity to the Wiltshire / Gloucestershire boundary and is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. The nearest settlement is Ashton Keynes, approximately 1.6km to the south east of the site option. The nearest operational quarry is at Shorncote to the north of the site. A significant part of site U23 is classed as a Scheduled Monument. The southern boundary of the site is formed by the western spine road. The spine road cycle track also runs along the southern perimeter of the site.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation • Site is a Scheduled Monument-a Prehistoric and Roman settlement complex.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within site an undated settlement of Romano-British type is scheduled (AM902). Within the immediate area, to the north of the site a Bronze Age settlement was excavated in advance of mineral extraction (152). A series of undated linear earthworks have also been recorded.



English Heritage Statement The allocation of land designated a scheduled monument for mineral extraction at a local planning level is not compatible with the statutory framework embodied in PPS 5 and MPS 1. Such an allocation would not accord with current guidance jointly agreed by the commercial extractive sector and English Heritage, as expressed in the Minerals and Historic Environment Forum publication of 2008. The English Heritage position is clearly set out in our policy guidance document of 2006 and does not support such an allocation. A brief review of recent planning history, combined with a thorough study of the regional heritage asset in relation to potential mineral extraction areas shows that recorded archaeological sites generally form

45

only a part of an extensive complex of remains that incorporate areas and individual elements of high sensitivity. Such assets often only become apparent as the result of intensive archaeological investigation implemented as part of mitigation measures required by local planning authorities and English Heritage. In short, English Heritage would therefore not support the allocation of land designated a scheduled monument for mineral extraction.

Absolute constraint? (Y/N) Yes (in part). The scheduled part of the site is not considered suitable for sand and gravel extraction. In light of the high archaeological potential of the area, the County Archaeologist holds significant reservations about the suitability of remainder of this site (not scheduled) for sand and gravel extraction.

47


SU09NW152 SU03289592 Settlement Bronze Age

A Bronze-Age settlement site was excavated in 1994 ahead of a mineral extraction proposal.

SU09NW525 SU03659587 Cemetery Recent A Post Medieval or recent Quaker burial ground

SU09NW613 SU03819543 Settlement Undated AM902 Undated settlement site of Romano-British type.

SU09NW614 SU03959620 Linear feature Undated Undated linear earthworks.

SU09NW616 SU04109505 Field system Undated Undated earthworks, possibly old field boundaries.

SU09NW619 SU04069525 Enclosure Undated Undated earthwork enclosures. SU09NW620 SU04099554 Ring ditch Undated Undated ring ditch.

SU09NW627 SU03979563 Ditch Undated

A potential ditch of unknown date, seen as cropmarks on aerial photographs.

48

4. The site options within the Calne Area Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option C3

Size (ha): 23.4 Context The closest settlements to the site option are Calne (approximately 1km to the south west) and Compton Bassett (approximately 1.2km east) although there are a few farmstead / private residencies within 500m of the site boundary. The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is predominantly Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is approximately 300m east of the site. The northern boundary of the site is delineated by Abberd Brook. A PRoW crosses through the site. The area is served by the A3102 and A4 Local Lorry Routes, approximately 2km south west of the site. The nearest operational quarries to the site are at Sands Farm (to the south) and Compton Bassett (east), which also operate as landfill/waste management facilities.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation No issues relating to archaeology raised.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER None recorded.


Area of low potential.

Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. Unlikely to require mitigation.

50

Site Option C15

Size (ha): 42.1 Context The site option is located approximately 2.7km south east of Chippenham and 3.7km west of Calne. The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is classified as Grade 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. A number of farms border the land (including Pitter’s Farm to the south) and there are also a number of residential properties located close to the northern boundary. Bowood Historic Park and Garden is approximately 5m from the eastern boundary of the site and Spye Park Historic Park and Garden is located 450m to the south of the land.

Northings: 169400 Eastings: 395600 Resource type: Sand Current use: agricultural Estimated resource yield: 3,000,000 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation • Evidence of Romano British, Iron Age and Medieval occupation on or around site. • Loxwell farm to northwest of site has a grade 2 listed granary. On the site of the farm

is believed to be the location of Locks Well Abbey (11thC). Loxwell Abbey is believed to be adjacent to or within the site.

• Site contains a well that still holds water at present. Historic water conduits also in proximity (or within site?) to site date back to 13th Century.

• C15 has lower archaeological potential Assessment of (County Archaeologist).

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within the site an undated industrial site has been recorded (613) and a Mesolithic tool (053). Within the immediate area the historic parkland at Bowood is situated to the east (525), and a Late Medieval Abbey to the north (452)



Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. Although some mitigation may be required for this site option.

52


ST96NE452 ST95316987 Abbey Late Medieval

Site of Medieval abbey.

ST96NE613 ST956691 Industrial site Undated Undated cropmarks. ST96NE053 ST958688 Findspot Mesolithic Mesolithic tool.

ST96NE525 ST97216994 Historic parkland

Post Medieval

Post Medieval parkland.

53

Site Option C16

Size (ha): 10.4 Context The land within the site option is broadly flat and in agricultural use on land classified as Grade 2 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. It is located in an elevated position at Sandridge, overlooking a steep downward slope to the south providing extensive views of the broad, low lying Avon Valley. The area is characterised by a mix of the surrounding market garden farming activities and patches of woodland. The former Sahara Sand quarry (extraction ceased in 1999) lies adjacent to the western boundary of the site. Part of the former quarry is classified as a Regional Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS). The nearest settlements to the site are the villages of Westbrook (approximately 1.5km north east), Bromham (approximately 2.2km east) and Melksham (approximately 2.4km to the west). A dwelling is located approximately 100m south of the site and properties can be found approximately 200m to the east and west of the land at Sandridge. No buildings are located on the land, although the footprint of a small structure can be found within the site boundary.

Northings: 164900 Eastings: 394100 Resource type: Sand Current use: agricultural Estimated resource yield: 500,000 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation • Adverse impacts on areas of historical significance and archaeological sites (non

specific).

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER None recorded.



Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. Unlikely to require mitigation.

55

Site Option C18

Size (ha): 74.5 Context The site option is located between Bromham (approximately 700m to the north west) and Rowde (approximately 400m to the south east). There are no buildings on the site although there are several dwellings located within 50m and several more between 50-100m from the site. The area is predominantly flat and is characterised by the surrounding market garden farming activities. The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land classified as predominantly Grade 2 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. There are also areas of woodland on site. The eastern boundary of the site adjoins the A342 which forms part of the Wiltshire HGV Route Network and Primary Route Network. The A342 undulates passing through Sandy Lane and Derry Hill to the north of the site option.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation • General area is rich in Roman and Prehistoric remains, particularly to north and east

of Rowde, such as the Roman town of Verlucio (Sandy Lane). Clinghill (settlement with medieval origins – previously known as Klynghulle or Le Clynche [1409]) located on western boundary of site and St Edith’s Marsh (also medieval) on eastern edge, old maps also show that there were once additional dwellings in site area – possibility of houses and farm buildings remains.

• C18 impacts two buried settlements with associated earthworks and field systems. Historic water mill at southern limits of site with possible water courses, including leats and races.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER 2 Settlements of Medieval origin have been recorded along the western boundary of the site (461, 462). An undated earthwork enclosure (604) has been recorded within the site and a further undated earthwork enclosure to the north of the site (604). A recent watermill has been recorded to the south of the site.




57


ST96SE462 ST96766443 Settlement Late Medieval

Settlement with Medieval origins.

ST96SE461 ST96886374 Settlement Late Medieval


ST96SE604 ST97026379 Square Enclosure Undated

Undated square earthen enclosure.

ST96SE603 ST97056440 Enclosure Undated

Undated earthwork enclosures.

ST96SE611 ST97226282 Watermill Recent A corn mill.

58

5. Site options within the South East of Salisbury Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option SE1

Size (ha): 16.0 Context Site option SE1 is located between the A36 (southern boundary) and A27 (northern boundary) and is approximately 450m west of the village of Whiteparish. The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is typically classified as Grade 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land.


Summary of key issues raised during consultation • No known archaeology

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER No recorded features or finds within site. Within immediate area a Late Medieval Settlement has been recorded (457), and two groups of undated earthworks (614).



Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. Mitigation unlikely

60




SU22SW614 SU23772310 Site Undated Two groups of undated earthworks

61

Site Option SE2

Size (ha): 12.9 Context Site option SE2 is located to the west of the A36, adjacent to Brickworth Quarry. The land is predominantly used for a mix of forestry and agricultural uses. Some of the land is also classed as County Wildlife Sites / Ancient Woodland. Site option SE2, is approximately 1km to the south west of Whiteparish and approximately 300m north of the New Forest National Park. There are a number of properties located in proximity to the eastern boundary of site option SE2 at Newton. There is a PRoW which runs through SE2 and another that runs adjacent to the eastern boundary of site option SE3.

Northings: 122900 Eastings: 422800 Resource type: Sand Current use: Forestry Estimated resource yield: 700,000 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation • No known archaeology. However, recent initial works at Brickworth Quarry (adjacent)

has demonstrated archaeological potential.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within site a Late Medieval Settlement has been recorded (457), and a further settlement with Medieval origins has been recorded to the east of the site (458).



Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. Some mitigation may be required

62





A settlement with Medieval origins.

63

Site Option SE3

Size (ha): 12.3 Context Site option SE3 is located to the west of the A36, adjacent to Brickworth Quarry. The land is predominantly used for a mix of forestry and agricultural uses. Some of the land is also classed as County Wildlife Sites / Ancient Woodland. Site option SE3, is approximately 1km to the south west of Whiteparish and approximately 300m north of the New Forest National Park. There is a PRoW which runs through SE2 and another that runs adjacent to the eastern boundary of site option SE3.

Northings: 122900 Eastings: 422800 Resource type: Sand Current use: Forestry Estimated resource yield: 1,248,750 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation • No known archaeology. However, recent initial works at Brickworth Quarry (adjacent)

has demonstrated archaeological potential.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER No features or finds have been recorded within site. An undated field system has been recorded to the west of the site.




64



An undated field system, partly excavated in 1973.

65

6. Site Options within the Salisbury Avon Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option SA1 (plus additional land put forward)

Size (ha): 19.4 Context The site option is located in close proximity to the city of Salisbury, and comprises largely urban land uses to the north and west, characterised by residential areas, retail uses and a new park and ride. Agricultural uses are predominant to the east and south of the site. The site option is currently in agricultural use, although there is an existing sewage treatment facility located adjacent to the south west boundary of the land. There are sensitive receptors (including residential buildings) in proximity to the site option. Part of the site lies within Petersfinger Farm Meadows County Wildlife Site and in proximity to East Harnham Meadow SSSI. Part of the southern boundary of the site is marked by the River Avon (a SAC). The A36, which forms part of the Primary Route and HGV Route Network, is adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. To the west is a traffic light control junction for the park and ride facility and immediately to the east the road bends along the A36.

Northings: 128900 Eastings: 416300 Resource type: Sharp sand and gravel Current use: Agricultural Estimated resource yield: 1,350,000 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation • Area has some important water meadows and ancient field systems with some

important listed buildings. Site is surrounded by Roman, Medieval and post-Medieval settlements – 24 archaeological finds within 1km of site and medieval and post high potential for future finds.

• Known archaeology is likely to require some mitigation. In addition, a few of the water meadows are Scheduled Ancient Meadows. Dewatering medieval water meadows is a possible issue.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within site a Late Medieval horse harness object find has been recorded. Within the immediate area a series of finds and features relating to Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Romano British and Medieval periods have been recorded.



Absolute constraint? (Y/N) No. Some mitigation may be required

67


SU12NE052 SU16012923 Findspot Mesolithic A Mesolithic flint tool.

SU12NE473 SU16102865 Findspot Late Medieval A Medieval horse harness object.

SU12NE053 SU161284 Findspot Mesolithic A Mesolithic flint tool.

SU12NE403 SU16222830 Settlement

Early Medieval (Saxon) Settlement of Saxon origin.

SU12NE483 SU162284 Findspot Late Medieval A Medieval silver penny.

SU12NE303 SU16282845 Unassociated finds

Romano-British Roman finds found in church.

SU12NE481 SU16332924 Settlement Late Medieval A village with Medieval origins.

SU12NE156 SU164292 Findspot Bronze Age A fragment of Bronze Age pottery.

SU12NE532 SU16442818 Historic parkland Recent Recent historic parkland.

SU12NE408 SU16452915 Parish Boundary


An Anglo-Saxon date has been suggested for this section of the parish boundary, likely to post-date the cemetery to the north which contains Pagan burials.

SU12NE105 SU165287 Findspot Neolithic A Neolithic flint axehead.

SU12NE300 SU16582901 Findspot Romano-British An Iron Age pottery fragments.

SU12NE525 SU16902762 Watermeadow

Post Medieval Post Medieval water meadows.

68

Site Option SA2

Size (ha): 63.9 Context The site option is located approximately 3.5km south east of Salisbury. The area is rural in character, enclosed within the Salisbury Avon Valley. Part of the landscape is recognised for its historic value with the designation of Longford Castle (Grade 2*) Historic Park and Garden which is located to the north west of the site option. The site is approximately 750m east of the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB. The land is sited approximately 200m from the River Avon (SAC) in places, and part of the River Avon (South County Wildlife Site) runs through the southern part of the site. The site option is currently occupied by agricultural uses on land which is classified as Grades 3 and 4 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Fishing lakes are located to the south of the land and there are also some properties to the south and east of the site.

Northings: 125600 Eastings: 418000 Resource type: Sharp sand and gravel Current use: Agricultural Estimated resource yield: 2,000,000 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation • Area has some important water meadows and ancient field systems with some

important listed buildings. There are sites of national importance - two fields with cropmarks of round barrows, prehistoric settlement and associated features.

• The site is surrounded by Roman, Medieval and post-Medieval settlements – 27 archaeological finds within 1.5km of site. This includes 9 within site boundary and 3 in very close proximity to the boundary – of the 12, 8 are undated, uninvestigated, and would be destroyed. Known archaeology is likely to require some mitigation.

• In addition, a few of the water meadows (to the north, west and south) are Scheduled Ancient Meadows. Dewatering medieval water meadows is a possible issue. Extant field systems and lynchets directly adjacent to site.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Within southern part of site a series of undated ring ditches (627 – 630 and 657-658) in close proximity to an undated linear feature (659). Possibly Medieval ridge and furrow features recorded within centre of site (631). Undated settlement site, possibly roundhouses, within northern part of site (602). To the south west of the site a Bronze Age settlement within enclosure (150) has been recorded. Numerous finds and features in immediate area ranging from Mesolithic to Late Medieval period.




70


SU12NE624 SU17332630 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch.

SU12NE625 SU17422631 Site Undated An undated double-ditched -shaped feature.

SU12NE643 SU17442642 Ring ditch Undated Undated circular feature, almost certainly a ring ditch.

SU12NE533 SU17452575 Watermeadow Post Medieval Post Medieval watermeadows.

SU12NE310 SU176261 Findspot Romano-British A Roman-British coin.

SU12NE627 SU17632537 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch. SU12NE628 SU17682538 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch. SU12NE629 SU17682542 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch.

SU12NE659 SU17742542 Linear feature Undated A series of undated linear features are visible on an aerial photograph.


SU12NE657 SU17742550 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch is visible on an aerial photograph.

SU12NE658 SU17772558 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch is visible on an aerial photograph.

SU12NE631 SU18102575 Site Undated Features probably Medieval ridge and furrow.

SU12NE602 SU18122607 Settlement Undated

Undated circular features seen on aerial photographs which are possibly round houses.

SU12NE634 SU18292509 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch. SU12NE103 SU18352506 Findspot Neolithic A Neolithic flint arrowhead.

SU12NE401 SU18412517 Burial

Early Medieval (Saxon) A Medieval male skeleton found in 1874.

SU12NE150 SU186251

Settlement within enclosure

Bronze Age

Bronze Age earthworks were excavated in 1959.

SU12NE055 SU18752643 Findspot Mesolithic Mesolithic flint implement. SU12NE632 SU19052541 Ring ditch Undated An undated ring ditch.

SU12NE650 SU19222535 Oval Enclosure Undated An undated small oval enclosure.

SU12NE649 SU19242543 Circular Enclosure Undated An undated circular enclosure.

SU12SE608 SU19342450 Field system Undated An undated field system. SU12NE638 SU19352547 Linear feature Undated An length of undated ditch. SU12NE633 SU19402527 Field system Undated Remains of an undated field system.

SU12NE464 SU19662613 Settlement Late Medieval Settlement with Medieval origins.


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7. Site options within the Bristol Avon Mineral Resource Zone

Site Option BA4

Size (ha): 33.3 Context The site option is located approximately 500m north east of the linear village of Beanacre, 600m south of Lacock and approximately 2km north of the town of Melksham. The south east border of the site option is in close proximity to Halfway Farm and Riverside Farm. The site is currently occupied by agricultural use on land which is classified as Grades 2 and 3 Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Land adjacent to the western boundary of the site is currently used recreationally as a fishing lake. Inwood (County Wildlife Site) and two areas of ancient woodland are located within the site. The course of a Roman road runs east-west through the land with a PRoW partially following the road’s course. There is evidence of past mineral working and restoration on the land. The eastern boundary of the site is adjacent to the A350 which is part of the Primary Route Network and HGV Route Network. The A350 is an arterial route for traffic heading south into Dorset.

Northings: 167500 Eastings: 391100 Resource type: Sharp sand and gravel Current use: Agricultural Estimated resource yield: 50,000 tonnes

Summary of key issues raised during consultation • Area of high potential for Roman settlement and roadway archaeology. Roman Road

(running from Silchester to Bath of the site and on to Sea Mills) crosses site (although agar has been removed by agricultural activity) – need to consider the significance of thisand potential for associated finds.

Summary of notable archaeological features from HER Path of Roman road passes through site (304). Within the immediate area Romano-British coins, brooches and bronze mount have been recorded (315, 316). An undated earthwork has been recorded to the north of the site (608).




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ST96NW608 ST90726765 Site Undated Undated earthwork, possibly eastern section of holloway (609).

ST96NW316 ST908671 Findspot Romano-British

A) Romano-British coin. B) Romano-British bronze mount.

ST96NW315 ST910671 Findspot Romano-British

A) Romano-British brooch. B) Broken brooch. C) Coin.

ST96NW304 ST92496729 Road Romano-British Roman road.

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Appendix 1: English Heritage’s full statement on the principle of mineral extraction within areas designated as scheduled monuments Our comments derive from three themes which are set out below, and briefly considered in the concluding statement

· Statutory designation and national policy context; · Current guidance; and · Asset sensitivity and the planning context.

Statutory designation and the national policy context Planning Policy Statement 5 (PPS 5; Planning for the historic environment). Paragraph 1 of the Introduction to PPS 5:

‘’The development plan making policies in this PPS must be taken into account by regional planning bodies in the preparation of revisions to regional spatial strategies, by the Mayor of London in relation to the spatial development strategy for London, and by local planning authorities in the preparation of local development documents.’’

The policies within PPS 5 that are most pertinent to the planning of mineral extraction are HE2 (Evidence base for plan-making) and HE3 (Regional and local planning approaches). Policy HE2 refers to the need for a robust evidence base to inform planning decisions and to consider the potential of any area to contain currently unidentified heritage assets. Policy HE 3 refers to the development of local and regional planning frameworks and the need to take into account the range, form and sensitivity of heritage assets at a number of levels. The policies noted above from PPS 5 are complemented by the policies set out in the Minerals Policy Statement 1 (MPS1; Planning and Minerals Policy Statement 1). We note that National Policy no.14 (Protection of heritage and countryside) refers to the need to:

‘’consider carefully mineral proposals within or likely to affect regional and local sites of biodiversity, geodiversity, landscape, historical and cultural heritage;’’

and to:

‘’…adopt a presumption in favour of the preservation of listed buildings, nationally important archaeological remains (including scheduled ancient monuments) in situ, and their settings, if mineral proposals would cause damage or have a significant impact on them, unless there are overriding reasons of national importance for the development to proceed;’’

Current guidance The Minerals and Historic Environment Forum has published Mineral Extraction and

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Archaeology: a Practice Guide (2008) to provide guidance on minerals planning and archaeology. Paragraph 18 states that:

‘’Areas of higher and lower archaeological potential should normally be defined within the LDF to ensure that planning authorities give appropriate consideration to archaeology when identifying future working areas.’’

We also note that paragraph 26 states:

‘’Flagging of archaeologically sensitive areas within LDDs is vital to protecting archaeological interests and safeguarding developers from proceeding with expensive applications for sites that later present significant risks in relation to archaeological interests.’’

In this context, English Heritage has also issued guidance, contained within Mineral extraction and the Historic Environment (2006). The section that sets out English Heritage’s preliminary policy framework on the extraction and use of minerals states (on page16): ‘’Mineral extraction should not normally take place if it would result in the loss of or damage to a nationally important historic or archaeological site (whether designated or not) or listed building, or where it would have a significant adverse effect on its setting.’’ Asset sensitivity and the planning context The three particular sites in question relate to:

• Settlement SE of Latton (WI 900; 1004690); • Settlement NE of Eisey Field Copse (WI; 1003255); and • Settlement E of Ashtonfield (WI 902; 1004691).

All of these are sites along the Upper Thames Valley and appear principally as cropmarks on aerial photographs, indicating settlement sites and associated activity, apparently of Romano-British origin. In some cases, certain elements of the SM are also visible at ground level as eroded earthworks. We note that the draft Archaeological Resource Assessment of the Aggregate Producing Areas of Wiltshire and Swindon (5.3; Cotswold Archaeology, in prep) show that the Sharp Sand and Gravel ACA (Aggregate Character Areas) have a higher level of total recorded archaeological sites (6.06 per km²) than the county of Wiltshire as a whole (5.89 per km²). Although the SM descriptions principally refer to the cropmark complexes, it is important to note that where other sites in the Upper Thames Valley have been investigated by surface artefact collection, geophysical survey, trial trenching and selective excavation, the results include dense foci of human activity dating from the Neolithic period to the Post Medieval period. In some instances, these sites have included diverse and especially sensitive archaeological deposits ranging from later prehistoric ponds rich in environmental data to a medieval kitchen complex. As noted in the draft assessment report by Cotswold Archaeology (8.9), where known sites are excavated then the results often do not accord with the existing evidence base:

‘’…the excavations at Cotswold Community in the western reaches of the Upper Thames Valley identified a potential previously unsuspected Neolithic timber circle within the better-recorded later prehistoric and Romano-British landscape.’’

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Where investigated archaeologically, the Thames Valley has produced whole landscapes of Late Bronze Age and Iron Age date (ibid, 8.5), underlining the risks of viewing identified heritage assets as isolated ‘islands’. In this context, it is worth noting also that deposits of post-Roman alluvium along the Upper Thames Valley may potentially mask from detection evidence of earlier landscapes (ibid, 8.9); such deposits would not be identified without a robust field investigation programme. With regard to past applications for Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) in advance of quarrying near Latton (Settlement W of Latton; WI 899; 1004689), the successful application made in 1997 was supported by an intensive programme of archaeological assessment and field evaluation, partly undertaken in advance of the construction of the new course of the A417/419. This included desk-based assessment, field-walking, geophysical survey and trial trenching. The programme identified that parts of the constraint area of the SM were significantly less archaeologically sensitive than others and the removal of the former was regarded as an acceptable loss, if a satisfactory mitigation strategy was implemented. Such a strategy was implemented as a condition of SMC, granted in 1999. No, or very little, archaeological assessment or evaluation has taken place on the three SM sites noted above as within the option areas, although work on an adjacent site at Cotswold Community (WI 902; 1004691) uncovered multi-phase evidence for both domestic settlement and associated field systems. Accordingly, it is not possible at this stage to determine the sensitivity of each asset (beyond its designated and legally protected status) or to define areas of greater or lower sensitivity that may exist within each. Consequently, the risks of allocating extraction areas solely on the basis of current information would be that extensive and sensitive heritage assets might be uncovered, entailing the adoption of intensive mitigation programmes by the extractive industry. Historically, and as outlined above with reference to the Latton SM, intensive site assessment and field evaluation has been undertaken on SM sites in pursuit of SMC, complemented by a programme of excavation forming part of a mitigation programme. Concluding Statement The allocation of land designated a scheduled monument for mineral extraction at a local planning level is not compatible with the statutory framework embodied in PPS 5 and MPS 1. Such an allocation would not accord with current guidance jointly agreed by the commercial extractive sector and English Heritage, as expressed in the Minerals and Historic Environment Forum publication of 2008. The English Heritage position is clearly set out in our policy guidance document of 2006 and does not support such an allocation. A brief review of recent planning history, combined with a thorough study of the regional heritage asset in relation to potential mineral extraction areas shows that recorded archaeological sites generally form only a part of an extensive complex of remains that incorporate areas and individual elements of high sensitivity

. Such assets often only become apparent as the result of intensive archaeological investigation implemented as part of mitigation measures required by local planning authorities and English Heritage.

In short, English Heritage would therefore not support the allocation of land designated a scheduled monument for mineral extraction.

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