Archaeological monitoring and recording of Ground Investigation works (GI) was undertaken by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) at the request of a private client (the Client) in association with the development of a treatment plant at the Crediton Dairy, Church Lane, Crediton, Devon. This work was undertaken on the 22nd and 23rd of July 2025 in accordance with best practice and in consultation with the Devon County Historic Environment Team. Six window samples were planned to be drilled by the GI contractor where space would allow on site; four across a proposed building location (WS03, WS04, WS05, WS06) and two in the location of proposed tanks (WS01, WS02). Access to the area of the proposed tanks prevented these from being viable; although, the ground level in this area was c.1m below that of the area that was investigated. WS03-06 were each drilled to depths of between c.3.30m and c.4.43m. Each contained c.0.10m of asphalt floor surface that overlaid c.0.60-0.86m of 4-6 Made-ground layers that overlaid probable head deposits, occasionally with a disturbed horizon, and the head deposits overlaid bedrock geology, which was comprised of bands of clays and sands/sandstone. No significant archaeological features or deposits were present. Based on the GI works, cartographic sources and available satellite imagery, the site has been subject to multiple phases of modern redevelopment, alterations and business specific improvements from the turn of the last century and through the last 15 years. Furthermore, the presence of modern buildings in parts of the proposed development it seems unlikely that significant archaeological remains or deposits will have survived or be present on the site. However, remains or deposits of earlier modern structures associated with the 19th century industrial use of the site could be present within the proposed development area: and the potential line of the Litterburn stream (MDV66965) may cross the proposed development area. Despite this, no further archaeological works are recommended.
J Bampton (Wed,) studied this question.