SNN114307 - Proposed Solar Photovoltaic Park at the Former RAF Desborough Airfield and Associated Electrical Connection: Archaeological Baseline

AB Heritage Limited have been commissioned by Northfield UK Solar Ltd to produce an Archaeological Baseline Assessment covering a proposed Solar Photovoltaic Park at the Former RAF Desborough Airfield, and an area to the north-east of the Airfield for the associated Electrical Connection. This is based in Kettering, Northamptonshire. This assessment has reviewed all of the known cultural heritage features within 500m of the proposed development site in order to gain an understanding of the potential for the presence of archaeological features within the site boundary. The designated features within 5km of the proposed development have also been identified. Based on the known historical development of the site and study area, the results of this assessment show that there has been activity in the area of the proposed development site from the Prehistoric to the Modern period. These features include Prehistoric and Roman settlements within the proposed development site [AB 1, 9, 11 & 18] that are concluded to be of up to regional significance, based on current information. There is also the remnants of Medieval farming [AB 40, 44 & 46], and the negligible to locally significant Second World War RAF Airfield [AB 200] which occupies the majority of the proposed Solar Park site. It has therefore been concluded that there is the potential for the recovery of known and unknown archaeological remains dating to all periods within the proposed development site, which may be of at least regional significance in relation to the Prehistoric and Roman settlement remains [AB 1, 9, 11 & 18]. The potential impact on these features as a result of the proposed development will be assessed in the Cultural Heritage Environmental Statement.