PCA Winchester was commissioned to undertake an archaeological evaluation in order to inform a planning appeal for a proposed new development for which planning permission was being sought from South Oxfordshire District Council. The trial trench evaluation was undertaken to establish the extent, depths and form of any archaeological features or deposits so that their significance could be assessed.

The site lies to the north of the village of Chinnor, west of Thame Road and consists of arable farmland and contains two British Lattice Pylons supporting high voltage electric cables.

Prior to the trial trenching, a geophysical survey was conducted, which identified several anomalies. These were thought likely to reflect agricultural, natural, or modern features and no anomalies of definite archaeological origin were identified. Consequently, an archaeological evaluation was deemed necessary.

The evaluation comprised the excavation of 24 trenches which measured 30m x 1.8m. In 18 of the trenches no archaeological features were revealed. An Iron Age pit, a Roman pit, three undated ditches, an undated pit, and four undated furrows were observed. Both the Iron Age and Roman pits appeared to be small middens or rubbish pits The undated ditches are thought to represent one phase of activity, while the furrows represent earlier agricultural activity.

The program of work was conducted in keeping with the approved (Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) and concluded that the site contains limited archaeological potential, hence no further excavation was required. After post-excavation assessment, a written report was created and published, the site archive was then deposited with the appropriate depository.

Client testimonial:

‘Just wanted to let you and others know at PCA how impressed my client and I were with how you conducted yourself and managed the planning archaeologists at our site last Summer. I gave you a very tight schedule to undertake the necessary trial trenching to prove to the officers that the clients site was not archaeologically sensitive and therefore the requisite reason for removal on archaeological grounds could be removed prior to a planning inquiry. I was under pressure from the client and their barrister to get the answers and you managed the process with great calmness and professionalism throughout and made me look good in front of this client. The results of your work resulted in archaeology being removed as a reason for removal – but unfortunately the client lost the subsequent inquiry. I had recommended PCA once again and you delivered on that, and I hope to now be able to continue that justification with this, and many more clients when opportunities arise.’ – John Trehy.