In this hamlet the extent of medieval settlement is represented by extensive earthwork remains, a substantial sample of which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The proximity of a proposed new development by a housing association to the scheduled area warranted a request for evaluation by the local planning authority. When well-preserved medieval settlement remains were identified which could not reasonably be preserved in situ, the housing association approached EH for assistance with the cost of recording the remains. Without our assistance, the scheme would not have proceeded. The excavation revealed a series of medieval buildings pre-dating 1400, overlain by ridge and furrow as the arable encroached on the abandoned settlement area, and post-excavation analysis is now in progress. The project provided an opportunity to run a field seminar on archaeology and planning for planners throughout Derbyshire, who were able to review the processes leading up to the excavation. The County Archaeologist reported an encouraging upturn in planning consultations subsequently.
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