Planning Case Study 62

Chapel Downs Farm, North of Queen Elizabeth Drive, Crediton, Devon

2017-2018

4 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation led to a modified development proposal

Pre-determination assessment/evaluation results led to a change in the extent or design of development.

Undesignated heritage assets with archaeological and historic interest

Major, residential
Mid Devon District Council
17/01511/MOUT

Outline application for the erection of up to 120 dwellings, public open space, vehicular access and associated infrastructure.

The HER contained aerial photographic evidence of a circular cropmark in the centre of the application area.

A programme of geophysical survey and field evaluation was undertaken at the request of the adviser to the LPA to support the application. This confirmed the presence of a locally significant Romano-British enclosure with evidence of possible internal building platforms, and a hut circle outside the enclosure.

Once this information was available the preservation in situ of the Romano-British enclosure – in public open space – and a pre-commencement condition for the excavation of the archaeological deposits outside the enclosure were recommended to the LPA.

The proposed outcome was that the Romano-British enclosure would be preserved in situ and incorporated into redesigned circular public open space with interpretation.

However, the application was refused by the LPA on other grounds.

  • Substrata 2016, An Archaeological Magnetometer Survey: Land at Chapel Downs Farm, Crediton, Devon. Unpublished report, 1607CHA-R-1.
  • AC Archaeology 2016 updated 2017, Land at Chapel Downs Farm, Crediton, Devon: Historic Environment Assessment. Unpublished report, ACD1410/1/2.
  • AC Archaeology 2017, Land at Chapel Downs Farm, Crediton, Results of an archaeological trench excavation. Unpublished report, ACD1410/2/0.