Archaeological desk-based assessment of the Cranbrook Monkerton District Heating Interconnector: Langaton Lane to Hill Barton Business Park, Devon

This Archaeological Desk-based Assessment has been undertaken by Oakford Archaeology for the new Cranbrook Monkerton District Heating Interconnector from Langaton Lane to Hill Barton Business Park, Devon. An examination of the known historic mapping and registered archaeological and heritage assets within the wider landscape has shown that there are extensive features of archaeological significance within the line of the proposed works and the wider landscape. In addition, extensive archaeological work on the eastern side of the M5 has exposed substantial evidence for prehistoric settlement and funerary activity dating from the Neolithic through to the Iron Age, with isolated enclosures forming part of the wider Iron Age and Romano-British mixed agricultural landscape within the area. Moreover, extensive medieval and post-medieval activity has also been exposed by previous archaeological investigations in the area between Tithebarn Way and Cranbrook. Finally, a single earthwork was identified within the line of the proposed works in the field immediately to the south side of the A30 and this is likely to be associated with the former Smeath farmstead at Fair Oak. Examination of the known historic mapping and registered archaeological and heritage assets within the wider landscape has shown that there are extensive features of archaeological significance within the line of the proposed works and the wider landscape. In addition, extensive archaeological work on the eastern side of the M5 has exposed substantial evidence for prehistoric settlement and funerary activity dating from the Neolithic through to the Iron Age, with isolated enclosures forming part of the wider Iron Age and Romano-British mixed agricultural landscape within the area. Moreover, extensive medieval and post-medieval activity has also been exposed by previous archaeological investigations in the area between Tithebarn Way and Cranbrook. Finally, a single earthwork was identified within the line of the proposed works in the field immediately to the south side of the A30 and this is likely to be associated with the former Smeath farmstead at Fair Oak.