Bishop Middleham quarry, nr Sedgefield, County Durham
1 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation identified significant new heritage assets
Pre-determination assessment/evaluation identified significant archaeology on the development site (i.e. the results created significant new knowledge), especially where none was previously known in the HER.
7 - Pre-commencement archaeological conditions were attached to a planning permission
Pre-commencement archaeological conditions were attached to a planning permission and were necessary in order to enable the development to be permitted.
Undesignated heritage assets with archaeological and historic interest
Proposed western extension of quarry for the extraction of 5.5 million tonnes of magnesian limestone from 15.7ha over a 14 year period, with restoration to agricultural through landfilling of clag and soils over a 20 year period.
There were no recorded archaeological remains on the application site. Evidence of prehistoric and Roman settlement was present in the surrounding landscape.
A desk-based assessment found no evidence of archaeological remains on the application site itself but recommended further evaluation through geophysical survey and/or trenching.
The geophysical survey found a large boundary ditch, which appeared to intersect two sub-circular features.
Trial trenching was carried out, and archaeological remains of probable prehistoric date were identified in a number of the trenches.
A pre-commencement planning condition was attached to the planning permission to secure archaeological investigation and recording.
In addition to features of prehistoric and Roman date, a very early Christian cemetery, comprising 10 graves, some of which were rock cut, containing 7 surviving inhumations, was identified. Some of the inhumations showed evidence of possible continuing pagan burial practices. Post-excavation work is still ongoing, and so these interpretations may change.
- Pre-Construct Archaeology 2012, Bishop Middleham Quarry western extension, Bishop Middleham, nr Sedgefield, County Durham, Desk-Based Heritage Assessment. Unpublished report.
- Pre-Construct Archaeology 2013, Archaeological Geophysical Survey: Bishop Middleham Quarry Western Extension, Bishop Middleham. Unpublished report.
- Pre-Construct Archaeology 2014, An Archaeological Evaluation at Bishop Middleham Quarry (Western Extension), Bishop Middleham, Near Sedgefield, County Durham. Unpublished report.
