SDO12495 - James Brothers, Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole. Archaeological Desk-based Assessment

Terrain Archaeology has been commissioned by Scammell Securities PLC to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of the James Brothers site, Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole, which is proposed for redevelopment. This document presents a preliminary archaeological assessment of the Site. Further stages of archaeological works may be required prior to any planning determination, following consultation with the Dorset County Council Senior Archaeologist and the Borough of Poole Planning Authority. The potential for the survival of archaeological remains on the site of the proposed development is high. The archaeological remains are most likely to be of Roman date. The site lies within the area of the Roman military defences on Hamworthy and probably within the area of extensive Roman salterns, which have been found right up to the western edge of the site. Roman deposits have also been found immediately east of the site as well. This Roman archaeology is considered to be of at least regional archaeological significance. In the post-medieval period the site was agricultural land, which was then divided, into dwellings with an orchard behind until purchase by the James family and an engineering factory built. The potential archaeological resource is likely to be well preserved. Without further detailed information on the nature and location of the potential archaeological deposits, it is difficult to determine the level of disturbance to the archaeological resource that will be caused by the proposed development. In order to obtain the required information on the archaeological deposits, it is suggested that an archaeological evaluation is undertaken. This will enable an appropriate archaeological mitigation strategy to be determined.