The archaeological works were conducted in accordance with the WSI, CIfA Standard for archaeological monitoring and recording (2023a), CIfA Universal guidance for archaeological monitoring and recording (2023b). All groundworks associated with the development, comprising the cutting of pavement and the digging of cable trenches, were monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist. All exposed deposits and features were recorded using RHA pro-forma context sheets. Plans and sections were drawn at an appropriate scale, typically 1:20 for plans and 1:10 for sections. Registers of context numbers, drawings and photographs were maintained. Digital colour photography was undertaken with a minimum resolution of 10 megapixels and in line with Historic England guidance (Historic England 2015b). Photographs included a scale bar. General record images were also taken. Natural geological deposits comprising mid-grey, silty soil, dark grey silty soil, and reddish clay soil were observed in all trenches across the development area. To the north, the surface of natural geology was recorded at a depth of approx. 0.9m BGL. At the south, the surface of geology was recorded at a depth of approx. 0.9m BGL. In the previously developed areas where trenches 1, 2, and 4 were located, there were clear layers of made ground, such as type 1 aggregate and pavement. The course of Trench 3 did not contain evidence of previous disturbance below the subsoil, where agricultural activity had clearly occurred. Some small pottery sherds were found in the upper layers, with all pieces being from the post-medieval to the modern period. These were not retained. Some charcoal deposits were also found in Trench 3 in the red sandy clay context, and it is most likely they have worked their way into the deposit through process of bioturbation. The results of the archaeological monitoring were consistent with the expectations for the site prior to the work, though with less archaeology being found than could have been expected based on the finds from the previous evaluation. The heavily disturbed and developed areas had high levels of modern remains and no evidence for significant archaeological deposits or activity from earlier periods. The cable trench excavated had post-medieval pottery sherds recovered from the topsoil, and potentially represent waste material discarded during previous agricultural process. The confidence rating for the results of this evaluation is good, with high visibility and suitable weather for the extent of the work. It is recommended that no further archaeological work associated with the development is required.
Smeltz et al. (Mon,) studied this question.