Planning Case Study 65

Rydon Farm, Two Mile Oak, Devon

2013-2014

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.
4 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation led to a modified development proposal - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation results led to a change in the extent or design of development.

Heritage assets affected

Undesignated heritage assets with archaeological interest

Type of application & broad category

Solar farm

Local planning authority

Authority: Teignbridge District Council
References: 13/02129/MAJ

Development proposal

Installation of ground mounted solar array (total site area of 68000 m2), and associated infrastructure.

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

There was no HER information for the development site itself. Prehistoric activity had been recorded in the surrounding landscape and adjacent field, with findspots and enclosures identified through aerial photography.

Archaeological/planning processes

A desk-based assessment identified that there was ‘little potential for any archaeological remains to lie undetected within the site.’

Pre-application geophysical survey and evaluation were subsequently undertaken revealing a sub-circular Bronze Age ditched enclosure containing evidence of a possible building and other features.

The Historic Environment Team advising the LPA requested that this area was excluded from development.

Outcomes: archaeological

The area of the Bronze Age enclosure was excluded from development.

References and links/bibliography

  • Cotswold Archaeology 2013, Rydon Farm, Ogwell, Devon, Heritage Desk- Based Assessment. Unpublished report CA 13423.
  • Stratascan 2014, Rydon Farm, Devon, Geophysical survey report. Unpublished report, J5760.
  • Cotswold Archaeology 2014, Rydon Farm, Ogwell, Devon, Archaeological Evaluation. Unpublished report CA 13711.