Desk Based Assessment, Geophysical Survey at Land North-East of Elm Park, Stratton, Cornwall

The desk-based assessment aspect of this report follows the guidance that is outlined in: Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment3; and Understanding Place: Historic Area Assessments in a Planning and Development Context4. The geophysical (gradiometer) survey follows the guidance that is outlined in: Geophysical Survey in Archaeological Field Evaluation5; Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Geophysical Survey6; and EAC Guidelines for the Use of Geophysics in Archaeology: Questions to Ask and Points to Consider7. 'Archaeological geophysical survey uses non-intrusive and non-destructive techniques to determine the presence or absence of anomalies likely to be caused by archaeological features, structures or deposits, as far as reasonably possible, within a specified area or site on land, in the inter-tidal zone or underwater. Geophysical survey determines the presence of anomalies of archaeological potential through measurement of one or more physical properties of the subsurface.' The results of the geophysical (gradiometer) survey will, as far as is possible, inform on the presence or absence, the character, the extent, and, in some cases, the apparent relative phasing of buried archaeology to inform a strategy to mitigate any threat to the archaeological resource. The results of the geophysical survey suggest that the archaeological potential of the site is low. The geophysical survey identified evidence for a single historic boundary that is tentatively suggested as being a part of the medieval field system, though this is the only clear archaeological feature on the site. A number of pit-like features with possible natural origins were also identified, as was limited evidence for agricultural activity. Any development of the site is likely to encounter and destroy the buried archaeological resource (should it be present). The potential below ground archaeological impacts can be mitigated through an appropriately worded planning condition if required, although it is unlikely to be necessary for this development.