Archaeological Investigation, Hertfordshire

Archaeological Due Diligence for Allotment Development at Church Lane, Wormley

Objective 

The purpose of the Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment (DBA) was to identify and evaluate the potential for archaeological remains at the site and to inform the client of the associated risks. 

Methodology 

The archaeological DBA was undertaken by analysing available historical, cartographic, and archaeological records relevant to the site. Sources reviewed include records of past archaeological investigations in the area, historical maps, and information on the surrounding landscape and its historical development.

The assessment models the likelihood of finding archaeological remains based on this data and considers the impact that the proposed groundworks may have on potential archaeological deposits.

Results 

The assessment identified a potential for archaeological remains from various historical periods, including:

• Medieval to Modern Periods: The site is located in an area with known historical activity, particularly during the Medieval to Modern periods. Archaeological remains from these periods may be present, but they are generally expected to be of low significance.
• Bronze Age Artefacts: There is a minor possibility of Bronze Age finds, though any remains from this period are also likely to be of low significance.
• Wormleybury Registered Park and Garden: A more significant archaeological risk arises from the potential presence of features related to the Wormleybury Registered Park and Garden. While such features could be of an associative high significance if present, the likelihood of encountering them on the development site is considered to be low.

Risk Assessment 

The proposed development of allotment gardens involves relatively shallow groundworks, primarily limited to topsoil stripping for the creation of planting beds, access routes, and parking areas. Given the limited depth of these activities, it is unlikely that the groundworks will disturb any potential archaeological features, which are expected to lie deeper below the surface. As such, the risk of encountering unknown archaeological remains during the development was considered low.

Conclusion 

The Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment concluded that, while there is some potential for encountering archaeological remains, the significance of any likely finds is expected to be minimal. The primary archaeological interest — features related to the Wormleybury Registered Park and Garden — is deemed unlikely to be affected due to the low probability of such features being present within the development site.

With no archaeological planning condition attached to the planning consent, there is no requirement for further archaeological work at this stage. The proposed allotment development is therefore deemed low-risk in terms of its impact on the archaeological record. However, it was recommended that, should any unexpected finds be encountered during groundworks, an archaeologist should be notified to assess the need for further investigation or mitigation.

Recommendations 

While no formal archaeological conditions apply to this project, it was considered advisable for the client to incorporate the following best practices during the development of the allotments:

• Monitoring: Site workers should be briefed on the potential for uncovering archaeological remains, and any unexpected discoveries should be reported immediately to an archaeological specialist.
• Mitigation: In the unlikely event that significant archaeological features are encountered, the project should pause to allow for a professional archaeological evaluation, which will determine if any further action, such as recording or excavation, is necessary.

Final Assessment 

The development of allotment gardens at Church Lane, Wormley, presents a low risk of encountering significant archaeological remains. The limited depth of the proposed groundworks is unlikely to disturb any buried features of archaeological interest. Therefore, the project can proceed with minimal archaeological concern, though adherence to a notification procedure in the event of a discovery remains prudent. This case exemplifies the importance of conducting due diligence in heritage-rich areas, even when formal archaeological conditions are not required.

This case study provides a thorough analysis of the archaeological risks associated with the development, ensuring the Council is informed of potential heritage considerations.

Internal Project Reference: A00502 

Planning Reference: 07/20/1139/F  – Broxbourne Borough Council