SDO14395 - Bournemouth and Poole College. Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

‘Sheppard Robson is proposing the redevelopment of Bournemouth and Poole College, Lansdowne Campus, Meyrick Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 3JJ. The proposed development site is located in East Cliff Conservation Area (AOC 83), designated by Bournemouth borough Council (Bournemouth district Wide Local Plan). Within the site boundaries there are three Listed Buidings which are: Ascham House (AOC 42) in the south-west corner of the site; the hair dress ing department of the college (also known as Woodcote House)(AOC 41) in the south–west are [sic] of the site; and The Municipal College buildings (AOC 64) in the north of the site which comprise ‘Strathearn’ and the Clock Tower Building. Also within the boundary are buildings attached to the Grade II listed structures and within the 1948 curtilage. These are as follows: the Old Girls School, B Block, E Block. Based on cartographic analysis and visual assessment, there is likely ot have been a certain degree of impact on below ground archaeological deposits across the site, given that it has been subject to construction and redevelopment since the 19th century. Based upon the available archaeological and historical data, the assessment anticipates that within the boundaries of the development site there is a Moderate Potential for archaeological remains dating to the post medieval period and a Low Potential for residual evidence for Prehistoric (Palaeolithic) activity. It is considered that the demolition phase of the current development proposal is likely to have Direct Major Adverse Impact upon the built heritage features within the site. The development scheme proposes the demolition of all non-Listed Buildings on site to clear an area for a three storey building to provide upgraded educational facilities. The construction and renovation phases are considered to have a Direct Minor Averse Impact upon any surviving buried archaeology. Taking into account the close proximity of the Listed Buildings within the development site, the indirect impact of the development is considered to have an Indirect Minor Adverse Impact upon such features due to a ‘slight change to the setting or structure of a Grade II Listed Building’ and ‘limited encroachment on a Conservation Area’. Due to the impact to the built heritage within the site boundaries, it is recommended that a full programme of mitigation be progressed through consultation with the County Archaeologist and Conservation Officer for Bournemouth. Should intrusive ground reductions for the new build go ahead, it is recommended that a series of evaluation trenches be excavated in the area of impact, outside the footprints of the current buildings, in order to establish the nature and depth of any potential archaeological deposits. The below ground deposits in the eastern areas which are to be left for future construction of student accommodation and multi-storey car park are unlikely to suffer a heavy impact, assuming ground reductions are kept to a minimum during demolition of current buildings. In these areas, no further archaeological works are recommended at this time.’