SDO15326 - Land at East Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset. Desk-Based Assessment.

‘Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Pegasus Planning Group on behalf of Persimmon Homes (South Coast) Ltd, to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of land at East Chickerell, to the west of Weymouth, Dorset, centred on NGR 365184 80511. This study will inform a planning application for a mixed use development of up to 470 dwellings along with car parking, landscaping, primary school and associated infrastructure to be submitted to West Dorset District Council. The recorded historic environment resource within a 1km study area around the Site was considered in order to provide the context for the discussion and interpretation of the known and potential resource. Additionally, a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) was created within a 5km radius from the site, within which designated heritage assets of national importance were identified. The effect of the development proposals on the identified historic environment resource will be a material consideration in determination of the planning application. This study has identified no overriding heritage constraints which are likely to prohibit development. This assessment has determined that no meaningful intervisibility could be established with any assets within the ZTV nor was the site considered to form a significant aspect of the setting of any of these assets. The hedgerows at the site boundaries and within the site may be considered historically important as defined by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 (amended 2002) but will remain unaffected by the proposed development. This assessment has established that there is an archaeological interest within the Site. This is defined as the potential for the presence of buried archaeological remains, in particular relating to features associated with the Romano-British, medieval and post-medieval periods. The significance of any such remains would depend on their character and survival though they are likely to be of local or regional significance. As a result of this assessment it was concluded that none of the identified heritage assets shared meaningful visibility with the Site. As a result no impacts to setting are anticipated as a result of the proposed development. The presence, location and significance of any buried heritage assets within the Site cannot currently be confirmed on the basis of the available information. As a result additional archaeological investigations are likely to be required in order to provide a sufficient level of information on the significance of the archaeological resource. In the first instance these could take the form of geophysical survey to assess the presence, scale and extent of below ground remains within the Site. The results of any such investigations would inform the need for and scope of any subsequent works within the Site. The need for, scale, scope and nature of any further archaeological works should be agreed through consultation with the statutory authorities.’