Planning Case Study 163

Park Farm, Leigh Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset

2015-2018

Planning scenario(s)

1 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation identified significant new heritage assets - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation identified significant archaeology on the development site (i.e. the results created significant new knowledge), especially where none was previously known in the HER.
7 - Pre-commencement archaeological conditions were attached to a planning permission - Pre-commencement archaeological conditions were attached to a planning permission and were necessary in order to enable the development to be permitted.

Heritage assets affected

Designated heritage assets with archaeological and historic interest: scheduled monument

Undesignated heritage assets with archaeological and historic interest

Type of application & broad category

Major, residential and leisure

Local planning authority

Authority: East Dorset District Council
References: 3/15/0789/COU

Development proposal

Hybrid Planning Application comprising 1) Outline planning application for residential development with associated roads, parking, turning and amenity areas; provision of local centre; provision of public open space, landscaped areas and allotments; provision of Rugby Club including clubhouse, parking and pitches; and 2) Full Planning application for change of use of agricultural land to (SANG) Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace.

Archaeological information known about the site before the planning application was made, or before the development commenced, as appropriate

The development site contained a section of Roman road that is protected as a Scheduled Monument (NHLE no. 1018028).

Archaeological/planning processes

A desk-based assessment identified moderate potential for the presence of further Roman remains, in addition to the Roman road.

Geophysical survey and evaluation trenching were subsequently carried out before the determination of the planning application. Three main phases of activity were identified during an initial evaluation: a late Bronze Age/early Iron Age pit; a late Iron Age/ Roman agricultural settlement, with possible corn-dryer/pottery kiln, and field system; and enclosure ditches broadly dated to the 3rd century AD. A second evaluation identified further prehistoric features, together with the metalled surface of the Roman road and its two flanking ditches. Despite targeted trenches, no evidence of the Roman road was found to survive outside the scheduled area.

Outcomes: archaeological

Planning permission was granted with a pre-commencement planning condition, and the scheduled monument was excluded from the development area. The archaeological excavation has recently been completed.

References and links/bibliography

  • CgMs 2014, Land South of Leigh Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, Archaeological Desk Based Assessment. Unpublished report.
  • Pre-Construct Geophysics, 2014, Land South of Leigh Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, Archaeological Geophysical Survey. Unpublished report.
  • Cotswold Archaeology 2015, Land South of Leigh Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, Archaeological Evaluation. Unpublished report, CA report 15695.
  • Cotswold Archaeology 2016, Land South of Leigh Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, Phase II, Archaeological Evaluation. Unpublished report, CA report 16184.