A sample of 30m� is proposed, representing 7.5% of the total 400m� new build development site by area. A single trench, measuring 15m in length and 2m in width, is proposed to be excavated across the footprint of the proposed new dwelling and its car parking area. Within the trench, overburden will be removed down to the first significant archaeological horizon under close archaeological supervision, using a mechanical excavator fitted with a toothless ditching bucket. All exposed archaeological features and deposits will be cleaned by hand and sampled as appropriate according to their accessibility, so as to ascertain their nature, depth, date and quality of preservation, while ensuring that unnecessary destruction of discrete features is minimised. Sections across linear features will not be less than 1m in length. As a general rule, 50% of discrete features will be sampled and 20% of stratified archaeological deposits, but these proportions may vary in discussion with the AT according to circumstances encountered on site. A single trial trench was located across the new development footprint in order to assess the archaeological potential of the site. The stratigraphy encountered in the trench comprised a layer of tarmac above a hardcore layer. Below this was a subsoil, which overlay the natural substrate, encountered at a depth of 0.88m. A single east - west aligned linear feature was observed midway along the trench, but which contained no dateable material. Other similar linear features, interpreted as small boundary or plot partitions of medieval or post-medieval date, have been identified during archaeological fieldwork immediately to the east and west of the present site. The evidence suggests that this feature may be part of a series of plot boundaries and partitions to the rear of structures fronting Clophill Green.
Lisa Waldock (Sat,) studied this question.