This Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) was undertaken in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists' Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment and relevant Historic England guidance. A 1km study area was defined around the Site to provide a proportionate archaeological context. Baseline data were compiled from the National Heritage List for England, the Wiltshire Historic Environment Record, historic mapping, aerial photography, LiDAR data, geological information, previous archaeological investigations, and a site walkover survey. The assessment identifies designated and non-designated heritage assets, evaluates archaeological potential by period, and assesses the likely impacts of the proposed development on known and potential archaeological remains, with particular reference to proximity to a scheduled Roman monument. Impacts were assessed following Historic England guidance, with recommendations made for further archaeological investigation and mitigation where appropriate. Within the Site six non-designated features have been identified, these include undated pits, Roman pits, ditches, and enclosures, and medieval ridge and furrow. The nearest designated heritage asset is the Scheduled Monument of the Roman Town, west of Wanborough House, recorded approximately 300m north-west. Geophysical survey indicates the associated remains extend to approximately 25m north-west of the Site, and human remains associated with the settlement were identified within and adjacent to the Site in archaeological evaluation and excavation. The Proposed Works will not directly affect, and its setting is unlikely to change due to the temporary, linear nature of the scheme. Other designated assetsWrightsbridge and The Coach House, Moat Cottage, Lake Cottage, Foxbridge Farmhouse, and Gatewaysare located further away and will not be impacted. The significance of Roman remains found within the Site is moderate, representing peripheral settlement activity and human burials. All other remains are considered of low significance. Whilst geophysical surveys, fieldwalking, and archaeological excavation have revealed substantial archaeological evidence for activity across the study area, ground disturbance from previous construction works is highly likely to have removed or substantially truncated any archaeological or geoarchaeological deposits that may have been present within the Site. However, it is possible that residual in-situ remains may survive in isolated locations, or at lower levels than previous ground works. Overall, the potential for archaeological remains of all periods is considered low. Any archaeological remains, if present, would likely be completely removed by ground works associated with the Proposed Works. It is not anticipated there will be changes to the setting of any assets within the study area as a result of the Proposed Works. This DBA recommends that a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording be carried out during the excavation of the pipeline easement for the Proposed Works. Ideally, this work should be carried out in advance of the main construction phase of the Proposed Works to minimise the risk of delays arising from the identification, recording, and removal of archaeological remains, particularly burials, if present. Further consultation should be sought with Wiltshire Council Archaeological Service, advising on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, to confirm their agreement with these recommendations based on the findings of this DBA
Panesar et al. (Wed,) studied this question.