Planning Case Study 133
Brookers Yard, Suzuki and Peter Fish Premises, off Paynes Park, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Planning scenario(s)
Heritage assets affected
Non-designated heritage assets of archaeological and historic interest
Type of application & broad category
Local planning authority
Authority: North Hertfordshire District Council
References: 06/02007/1
Development proposal
2, 3 & 4 storey buildings together with conversion of part of existing Carling Building and Building B to provide 141 residential units (23 one bedroom and 102 two bedroom flats; 1 one bedroom, 12 two bedroom and 3 three bedroom houses). Basement parking for 175 cars and cycle storage.
Archaeological information known about the site before the planning application was made, or before the development commenced, as appropriate
Located behind the medieval street frontage of Hitchin town. Medieval, Anglo-Saxon and some Roman and prehistoric finds known from the general area.
Desk-based assessment and geotechnical investigation revealed that a significant proportion of the area had been disturbed by post-medieval development.
Archaeological/planning processes
Excavation was secured by a pre-commencement planning condition. It revealed significant archaeological remains, including the discovery of a very substantial boundary ditch (2-3m deep), apparently delimiting the Saxon burh and/or minster church at Hitchin.
The applicant subsequently went bankrupt before the funding for post- excavation could be secured. The Administrator in the case didn’t see the need to comply with the archaeological condition which was still in place. Funding was therefore still required for post-excavation assessment and publication, and following negotiation, £8,300 was finally offered in 2014 by the management company towards the costs of the archiving/analysis and publication costs. While falling short of the real figure needed to undertake all necessary analysis and publication costs, it enabled the preparation of a post-excavation programme and proposals for publication.
Outcomes: archaeological
The analysis and publication are progressing, much has been completed, including the pottery analysis.
Other outcomes/outputs e.g. other public benefit such as public engagement, research and new/changed work practices
The discovery of the large Anglo-Saxon ditch has provided a major contribution to the understanding and archaeological management of Hitchin.
References and links/bibliography
- Heritage Network 2009, Brooker's Yard, Hitchin, Hertfordshire: archaeological assessment report. Unpublished report.
