SDO16309 - Knighton Lane, Bearwood, Dorset. Archaeological Desk-based Assessment

‘Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment with regard to land off Knighton Lane, Bearwood, Dorset, centred on National Grid Reference 405090 97310. This assessment is intended to support a planning application for a proposed residential development within the Site, to be submitted to Borough of Poole Council. The aims of this study were to identify and assess the known and potential archaeological heritage assets within the site and the surrounding area, and to assess the likely impacts of the development proposals on this resource. The effect of the development proposals on the historic environment will be a material consideration in the determination of the planning application. No overriding heritage constraints which should preclude development were identified, although the assessment, combined with the results of a recent geophysical survey, has established that there is an archaeological interest within the Site. This refers to the potential for the presence of likely buried remains that may relate to prehistoric and Romano-British occupation and other forms of activity. Future investigation of any buried archaeological remains that may be present within the site could yield new information that would enhance existing understanding of past activity in this landscape, and contextualise known archaeological sites in the wider Stour valley. Any such remains, which would be considered non-designated heritage assets for the purposes of national and local planning policy, could be vulnerable to the effects of future development within the site. As such, additional investigations, such as trial trenching, may be requested at the appropriate stage in the planning process by Dorset County Council’s Historic Environment Team, who advise the Borough of Poole Council, to more accurately characterise the archaeological potential of the site. The results of any such initial investigations would inform the requirement for any subsequent archaeological mitigation in association with the proposals. Ultimately, it is expected that any impact to buried archaeological remains resulting from future development could be addressed through the implementation of an appropriate scheme of mitigation, in accordance with national and local planning policy. The need for, scale, scope and nature of any further assessment and/or archaeological works should be agreed through consultation with the statutory authorities.’