SNN114591 - Archaeological Trial Trenching Report: Archaeological Evaluation at Lower Thorpe, Banbury

In August 2022, RSK ADAS Ltd carried out a trial trenching evaluation for EKFB on behalf of HS2. The evaluation comprised six trenches excavated on the site of a proposed new access road on land at Lower Thorpe, Banbury. The trial trenches were dug as intended to the specification approved by Ms Liz Mordue. The trial trenching did not record any archaeological deposits within the southern half of the Site which would suggest this part of the Site has a low archaeological potential for buried remains associated with the historic core of Lower Thorpe that is recorded to extend into this part of the site. The trial trenching furthermore did not record any evidence of prehistoric features or artefacts and as such it is considered that there is a low potential for buried prehistoric remains to be present within the site boundary associated with the nearby bowl barrow. Based on the results of the trial trenching it is considered that the site overall has a low potential for further buried remains which would be impacted by the proposed development and no further work is recommended