SDO21741 - Land at Mill Street, Fontmell Magna, Dorset. Heritage Assessment

‘In June 2022, Cotswold Archaeology (CA) was commissioned by Hartdene Homes Ltd to undertake a Heritage Assessment of land off Mill Street, Fontmell Magna, in respect of a proposed new housing development. This assessment has identified some potential for the presence of previously unrecorded late prehistoric remains within the Site, possibly associated with nearby recorded activity. From the medieval period onwards, the Site is understood to have formed part of the agricultural land surrounding Fontmell Magna village centre. As such, buried archaeological remains associated with agricultural land use may be encountered within the Site. These would be of limited and localised significance. Dating to at least the late-18th century, hedgerows within the Site are considered ‘important’ under the criteria of the Hedgerows Regulations (1997). It is not considered that known and potential buried archaeological remains within the Site would be of such significance that they would require preservation in situ, or that any such remains would measurably influence development design. This assessment has considered the potential effects of the proposed development on surrounding designated and non-designated heritage assets, through change to their settings. The Site lies within the Fontmell Magna Conservation Area. However, views from the Site are heavily restricted by late 20th century structures on Collyer’s Rise, and mature planting. The Site is physically separated from the historic core of the village. By ensuring appropriate and sympathetic design, it is considered that the proposed development could be accommodated with no harm to the siginifcance of the Conservation Area. This would therefore accord with the legal duties set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Fernlea Cottage is a Grade II Listed Building adjacent to and overlooked by the south-west corner of the Site. It has a historic connection to the meadows in the Site and the change in land use would have an impact upon its setting. This is likely to be in part mitigated by strategic planting, resulting in less than substantial harm (lower end) to the significance of this asset.’