Planning Case Study 31

Messingham Quarry, Manton, North Lincolnshire

2009-2015

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.
7 - Pre-commencement archaeological conditions were attached to a planning permission - Pre-commencement archaeological conditions were attached to a planning permission and were necessary in order to enable the development to be permitted.

Heritage assets affected

Non-designated heritage assets with archaeological and historic interest, some of national importance.

Type of application & broad category

Minerals

Local planning authority

Authority: North Lincolnshire Council
References: PA/2009/0356

Development proposal

Quarry for silica sand extraction

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

Evidence of early iron working sites uncovered during quarrying operations to the south. Former slag mounds known locally as ‘cinder hills’ recorded in the area; one such mound survives along southern boundary of site.

Archaeological/planning processes

Pre-determination evaluation which comprised fieldwalking, geophysics and extensive trial trenching identified the presence of several early metal working sites as either furnaces or slag debris. Early identification ensured that a sound mitigation strategy was in place as a condition of planning permission and this also facilitated an unforeseen change of contractor undertaking the excavation works. Further excavation in 2015 revealed the remains of a furnace that was radiocarbon dated 776-590 BC, making this the earliest dated smelting furnace in the country.

Outcomes: archaeological

Comprehensive pre-determination evaluation and a pre-commencement condition enabled the identification and excavation of important Iron Age remains, some of which have been identified as being of national importance.

Other outcomes/outputs e.g. other public benefit such as public engagement, research and new/changed work practices

The early date of one of the furnaces is of national (possibly international) research interest.

References and links/bibliography

  • Clarke, G, 2015, In Touch, Oxford Archaeology Review 2014/15 Issue 35, 8.
  • Archaeological Survey and Evaluation Ltd 2009, Land at Greetwell Hall Farm, Messingham Quarry, Manton, Trial Trench Evaluation. Unpublished report.