Archaeological Desk Based Assessment, Dorking, Surrey
Border Archaeology undertook an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for a private developer regarding a proposed care home at Dorking, Surrey.
In Brief
Key Points
- Assessment of the potential archaeological significance of the site and the impact of the proposed care home development.
- The assessment was informed by a site visit, consultation of the Surrey Historic Environment Record, reports on previous archaeological investigations in the area, and analysis of historic mapping and documentary records.
Summary
The assessment determined that there was a Low to Moderate potential for any works associated with the proposed development to encounter archaeological features or deposits of a prehistoric, Romano-British or post-medieval date. This assessment reflected the underlying potential for evidence of Prehistoric activity or Romano-British occupation to be uncovered during the works, based upon the number of isolated prehistoric or Romano-British finds recorded on the Surrey Historic Environment Record within the wider designated study area, as well the location of the Site within the hinterland of Stane Street and the possible Romano-British settlement at Dorking. The assessment of post-medieval archaeological potential reflected the location of the Site on the northern boundary of a post-medieval high-status landscape. The potential for the works to uncover evidence of medieval activity was assessed as being Low.
Results
The assessment determined that there was a Low to Moderate potential for archaeological remains of a prehistoric, Romano-British or post-medieval date, and Low potential for medieval archaeology. The completion of the Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment allowed the application for planning permission to progress.
