Strip Map And Sample, Watching Brief at Land West of Cedar Road, Sowerby

The investigation initially comprised a strip, map and record across the footprint of a proposed attenuation tank (Trench 1). This involved the archaeologically controlled mechanical stripping of topsoil and overburden across the agreed area, (c. 16m x 12m) down to the surface of the natural. The exposed surface was hand cleaned and any potentially archaeological features were sample excavated. The watching brief comprised the archaeological monitoring of the excavation of a sample of the small foundation pits (recorded together as Trench 2). This was undertaken to establish the presence/absence, nature, extent and preservation of any archaeological remains and to ensure that any archaeological deposits encountered could be recorded. Standard On-Site Archaeology techniques were followed throughout the investigation and a photographic record was maintained. A catalogue of context descriptions and photographs is provided in Appendix 1. The only deposits encountered above natural were what appears to be a disturbed topsoil and a modern levelling deposit. The investigated possible features were all shown to be non-archaeological. It seems likely that the site has been previously stripped, and the topsoil re-lain, probably during its use as a contractor's compound for one of the adjacent developments. No archaeological features or finds were encountered during the watching brief. The investigation concentrated upon the areas of greatest potential impact. Whilst it remains possible that isolated archaeological features are present on the site, cutting into the natural, the current development will not result in their disturbance.