Land at West Tofts Training Camp, West Tofts, Norfolk. Heritage Statement

The report presents the results of research carried out by Witham Archaeology in relation to proposed new development at West Tofts Training Camp, West Tofts, Norfolk. The report will form part of submission for a planning application for a scheme to demolish existing buildings and construct a new single storey CJOC block towards the northern end of the camp area. The site is located within a functioning Ministry of Defence camp with origins dating back at least to 1925, when is mentioned as a Ministry of Labour camp. The earliest extant buildings within the study area date to either the inter-war period or to World War II. They retain much of their historical character, although alterations are evident from later 20th century refurbishment. Significant Prehistoric remains around the site were identified during fieldwalking carried out during previous earthworks surveys, attested by finds of prehistoric worked flints, with the most closely dated finds dating to the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age period. Roman pottery and sherds were also found during fieldwalking, suggesting the presence of some level of Roman activity in the area. To the north of the proposed area of development lies the site of the deserted West Tofts village. The village dates at least to the late Saxon period and was continually occupied until it was appropriated during the process that created the Stanford Training Area in the 1942, when its inhabitants were evicted. Earthwork remains of an undated brick kiln were also identified during a survey to the west of the site. This study identified potential for the presence of archaeological buried remains within the proposed area of development. Not applicable