SNN112154 - Bourton Way, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Observation and Recording of Geotechnical Test Pitting

David Wilson Homes South Midland Ltd have submitted a planning application (WP/2013/0228) to Wellingborough Borough Council for the erection of 68 residential dwellings with associated garages, roads, sewers, landscape and ancillary works at Land off Bourton Way, Wellingborough (centred on NGR SP 882660). The proposed development area (PDA) is in an area of archaeological sensitivity that had previously been preserved in situ following a Section 106 agreement. The County Archaeological Advisor (CAA) stated that geotechnical trial pits, excavated by Hydrock, should be monitored by an archaeologist. The archaeological observation and recording was undertaken between 14th and 15th May 2013. A total of 20 test pits were excavated. The purpose of the archaeological monitoring was to record information that might be helpful in the production of a mitigation scheme for the development. The average depth to the archaeological horizon (undisturbed ‘natural’ geology) was 1.8m below current ground level. However, in most cases it was greater than 2m (the mean depth being reduced by landscaping around the edges of the potential development area). Archaeological deposits were only detected in one test pit (number 17) situated along the north-western edge of the site. This comprised an undated linear feature, probably a ditch. The ditch had been cut by a possible modern ditch, or later intrusion. The fact that only two archaeological features were identified may be a function of the relatively low density of archaeological features within the PDA. However, it is also likely to have been influenced by the nature of the investigation — the identification of features within narrow pits at depths in excess 2m was very difficul