Desk Based Assessment at Land North of A127 and East of Nevendon Road, Wickford

In September 2024 Britannia Archaeology Ltd was commissioned by Caineal LLP to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment at Land North of A127 and East of Nevendon Road, Wickford, Essex, This report aims to assess all known information relating to subsurface and above ground archaeological remains within a 1km radius centred on the site to identify the potential presence of archaeological remains that will be impacted upon during the development.This report will take into consideration existing truncation from previous developments and the potential impact caused by the implementation of the proposed development plans and construction methods. Evidence of activity from the EHER shows relatively sparse archaeological activity for the Roman and post-medieval periods, likely due to the assessment sites location on the periphery of major settlements Wickford and Basildon. Consequently, the potential for archaeological remains being present dating to these periods is considered low. Archaeological and cartographic evidence indicate that the site has been predominately unoccupied for the last 500 years, the only exceptions being the 16th century moated Fore Riders, and mid-20th century the "Lilacs" and "Heymere" along the assessment site's eastern boundary. However, evidence of activity from the EHER shows substantial prehistoric and medieval activity immediately east of the assessment site at Nevendon Washlands. Consequently, the potential for archaeological remains specifically dating to the prehistoric and medieval periods is considered to be high. If archaeological remains are present the potential for actual preservation is considered to be moderate being dependent on how much damage occurred during the installation and construction of the South Arterial Road, A132 Bypass and telephone/electric pylons, and the depth of the archaeological deposits. If archaeological remains are encountered during the development, the impact would be high if the proposed construction techniques used are industry standard. Foundation, service trenches, road creation and landscaping will remove surviving subsurface remains.