4.6 The archaeological work of the regional teams
Roman roadside settlement at Ashford, Kent (2 of 4)
Ashford in Kent is experiencing a period of major development and this has brought to light a number of Romano-British farmsteads, but understanding of the Roman organisation of this part of Kent was transformed when a previously unknown Roman settlement was discovered during investigation of an area at the intersection of two Roman roads. Geophysical survey produced a clear picture of the layout of this extensive roadside town and trial trenching confirmed that archaeological remains survived well despite recent agricultural activity.
The land in question had long been identified as a location for residential development of several hundred homes and an outline planning permission had been granted with archaeological provision covered by a S 106 Agreement. The issue for the South East team was how to protect the nationally important archaeological remains revealed at a late stage of the development process, in the context of the planning permission already granted. After complex negotiations involving the land owners, the developer, the planning authority, and Kent County Council this appears to have been largely achieved. A significant part of the Roman settlement will be preserved in situ and the remainder will be subject to archaeological investigation before new houses are built. From what seemed like an impossible position, a spirit of cooperation is now emerging that should significantly enhance our understanding of the Ashford area in Roman times.
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