The archaeological evaluation comprised a total of 72 trenches, each measuring 30 m by 1.8 m, equating to a 5% sample of the 8 ha development footprint. It was not proposed to investigate any evaluation trenches in the open space and countryside park areas at the northern end of the Site because these will not be impacted by the development. The work was undertaken in accordance with the WSI approved by Local Planning Authority (LPA) Archaeologist (Surrey County Council on behalf of Horsham District Council). The results of the evaluation did not identify any significant activity from the Roman or earlier prehistoric periods. The only identified features were a single, undated pit in trench 53 and a series of ditches all interpreted as modern in date. No artefacts were recovered, with only modern CBM observed in the upper level of the ditch fill in trench 56. Modern truncations, remnant water and electricity services, ground levelling activity, and contamination relating to the Site's previous use as a plant nursery were observed across Site. Root disturbance from trees and various plants was also noted. The majority of topsoil and subsoil deposits are likely modern and anthropogenically derived, rather than naturally formed, and in the most heavily terraced areas of Site very little soil was observed as the landscape was likely stripped down and made up to a level surface using sands, gravels, and imported soils. The observed deposits and evidence of modern activity suggests that the Site was subjected to severe truncation and disturbance that would have affected any archaeological features that may have existed prior to the development of the plant nursery and, therefore, explains the minimal evidence of archaeological activity identified by this programme of works. Any further features within the Site beyond the one identified pit will likely have been heavily truncated and disturbed.
Lucie Collett (Wed,) studied this question.