The archaeological evaluation was undertaken following the methodology that was detailed in the Written Scheme of Investigation (PCA 2024), which was approved by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in advance of the commencement of works, and on the advice of the SDOHE. The evaluation comprised No.20 Trenches measuring 30m X 1.8m (Figures 2, 3 and 4). The array of trenches was designed to investigate the archaeological potential of the Site, targeting anomalies of potential archaeological interest that were identified by a geophysical survey. The evaluation was carried out between the 14th of October and the 26th of October 2024. In Trench 2, a large cut of approximately 6.2m diameter, with large roughly hewn stones identified close to each edge, several thin and compact layers between the stones, and the identification of a piece of Trevisker pottery, all indicate that this group of features is likely a Middle Bronze Age roundhouse. It appears to have the traditional vernacular architecture specific to lowland Cornwall. Several of these features have been identified around Newquay (Jones 2019) and could indicate a core of human activity on the north coast of Cornwall in the Middle Bronze Age. Based upon the findings on these other sites, it can be inferred that Trench 2 contains a sunken-floored stone-build roundhouse, with likely origin between 1500BCE and 1100BCE. Trench 1 contained a similar density of features, however without the dating evidence or identification of masonry. This could indicate the presence of a second roundhouse, or potentially a lesser-status structure associated with the settlement evidence in Trench 2, possibly for storage or livestock. Two undated features were identified by Cotswold Archaeology on the site to the west (CA Report 11267, Trench 3). Based upon the proximity of these features to the activity identified in the northwest corner of this Site, there is potential for these features to be Bronze Age activity relating to the roundhouse identified on this Site. Trenches 1, 2, and 7 identified intensive archaeological activity, with a significant reduction of results to the south and east. With the focus of activity in the northwest corner of the site and in Trench 7, it is expected that further mitigation works will be required, or a strategy of preserve in-situ identified, should this site be brought forward for development.
Ben Thomas (Wed,) studied this question.