EDO4887 - 15-20 Saxon Square, Christchurch; desk-based assessment 2006

AOC Archaeology were comissioned by Planning Perspectives, prior to May 2006, to carry out an archaeological impact assessment of a scheme to develop 15-20 Saxon Square, Christchurch. A previous DBA of the site, of a larger proposed devleopment area, was undertaken in 2003. This current assessment updates the previous one whilst concurring with the recommendations of the original. The application site lies in the heart of Christchurch and is formed from a number of individual house and garden blocks, created as part of the 12th century planned town, partly amalgamated in the 20th century to create a retail courtyard. The application site is in an area of known archaeological significance and the assessment identifies 97 adjacent sites recorded in the Dorset SMR. 7 listed buildings occur within the site, although the proposal does not directly impact upon them. There is a clear probability that remains of a medieval and post-medieval date are present on the site. There is also a high potential for Prehistoric and Saxon remains occuring on the site. It is recommended that archaeological evaluation follwed by detailed excavation precede development.