British Telecom Local Communications Services, Bibb Way, Ipswich

In February 2021 Britannia Archaeology Ltd was commissioned by IPSERV Ltd to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment at the British Telecom Local Communications Services, Bibb Way, Ipswich (NGR: TM 1537 4449) The site has undergone several phases of late post-medieval and modern development. The extent to which these developments have affected any below ground remains is currently unknown and require further investigation. Adjacent excavations have encountered substantial overburden layers which have preserved significant numbers of archaeological features. The adjacent sites were also previously subjected to similar phases of historical development and yet in spite of this, significant below ground heritage assets were found preserved in-situ. Consequently, the potential for archaeological remains being present in all periods (with the exception of the prehistoric) is considered moderate to high, while the potential for subsurface archaeology dating to the prehistoric period is considered low. The potential for residual finds from the prehistoric period is considered to be low to moderate. There is a specific potential to encounter the continuation of Roman and Saxon features previously identified during excavations adjacent to the west/northwest of the assessment area. The largest of the structures is to be retained and converted into flats causing minimal alteration to the current setting. The remaining proposed structures are unlikely to exceed the height of the current building and would therefore cause no additional impact to setting. The site has undergone several phases of late post-medieval and modern development. The extent to which these developments have affected any below ground remains is currently unknown and require further investigation. Adjacent excavations have encountered substantial overburden layers which have preserved significant numbers of archaeological features. The adjacent sites were also previously subjected to similar phases of historical development and yet in spite of this, significant below ground heritage assets were found preserved in-situ. Consequently, the potential for archaeological remains being present in all periods (with the exception of the prehistoric) is considered moderate to high, while the potential for subsurface archaeology dating to the prehistoric period is considered low. The potential for residual finds from the prehistoric period is considered to be low to moderate. There is a specific potential to encounter the continuation of Roman and Saxon features previously identified during excavations adjacent to the west/northwest of the assessment area. The largest of the structures is to be retained and converted into flats causing minimal alteration to the current setting. The remaining proposed structures are unlikely to exceed the height of the current building, being only 2, 3 and 4-storeys in height and would therefore cause no additional impact to setting.