Planning Case Study 25

Seaforth, Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire

2011-2019

Planning scenario(s)

1 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation identified significant new heritage assets - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation identified significant archaeology on the development site (i.e. the results created significant new knowledge), especially where none was previously known in the HER.
4 - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation led to a modified development proposal - Pre-determination assessment/evaluation results led to a change in the extent or design of development.

Heritage assets affected

Non-designated heritage assets with archaeological and historic interest of regional or national importance.

Type of application & broad category

Major, residential

Local planning authority

Authority: North Lincolnshire Council
References: PA/2011/1554; withdrawn December 2018

Development proposal

14 dwellings

Archaeological information known about the site before the planning application was made, or before the development commenced, as appropriate

The sites lies within the late Saxon and Medieval town and is close to St Peter’s Church (in English Heritage Guardianship). Excavation in advance of the construction of an adjacent property in 1999 revealed significant late Saxon occupation and the medieval town defences.

Archaeological/planning processes

Pre-application evaluation trial trenching within the garden of a detached Victorian property in 2008 revealed numerous remains dating mainly from the mid 8th - 12th century and also dated the Town Ditch to the mid 11th/12th century. The site is significant because it demonstrates that Saxon settlement was not confined to the adjacent Pre-Conquest enclosure associated with St Peter’s Church. The remains survived at differing depths across the site from 0.25m to 0.70m.

In view of the importance of the remains, preservation in situ was considered to be the preferred option. In consideration of the fragility and shallow depth of the remains, the applicant submitted mitigation plans to raise each proposed house platform above the archaeology. However, the strategy was considered by the archaeological advisor to the LPA to be insufficiently detailed to secure satisfactory preservation in situ. Refusal of the application on archaeological grounds has been recommended.

The existing house and property were sold in late 2018 and the application was withdrawn in December 2018.

Outcomes: archaeological

The importance and fragility of the archaeology revealed in the pre-determination evaluation has made the securing of adequate mitigation for the proposed development problematic. The planning application has been withdrawn.

References and links/bibliography

  • Rodwell, W (with Atkins, C) 2011, St Peter's, Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire - A Parish Church and its Community. Volume 1: History, Archaeology and Architecture. Oxbow Books.
  • Field, N 2011, Seaforth, 91 Barrow Road, Barton-on-Humber: Heritage Impact Assessment. Unpublished report.