North Bersted
An archaeological evaluation comprising 168 trial trenches, each
measuring 50 metres in length, was carried out in May and June
2005, on land at North Bersted, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, as
part of the planning application process for a potential new housing
development.
The trenching revealed a dense concentration of archaeological
remains, in the form of ditched field systems, dating mostly from
the Late Bronze Age period. A strip of low-lying alluvial clay
running across the centre of the site revealed a preserved waterlogged
landscape and the remains of at least one Bronze Age burnt mound.
Three large ditches were also found across the site, two of which
dated from either the Late Bronze Age and one possibly from the
Roman period.
In addition to this, a Late Iron Age/Early Romano-British parallel
ditched track way was traced through several trenches in the northern
area of the site, near to pits, postholes and other ditches dated
to the same period.
Further potential for Late Bronze Age and Middle to Late Iron
Age/Early Romano-British settlement was found in the south-western
extent of the site, and the entrance to a possible livestock enclosure
dating from the Late Bronze Age to Middle Iron Age was discovered
in the centre north of the development site. A second possible
enclosure dating to this period was revealed in the centre south
of the site.
Traces of an 18th century barn, known of from cartographic evidence
were found in the northern part of the site, and some remains
of Post medieval field boundaries were also located. Finally,
a previously unknown World War 2 Anti-Tank Trap was traced through
several trenches in the southern half of the site.
The results of this archaeological survey were drawn on in preparing
an Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed development
site.
Archaeology South-East produced the final version of this EIA
statement, and developed a mitigation strategy for this site involving
the preservation in situ of some of the more important features
(in areas of landscaped public open space) and a programme of
archaeological excavation for other parts of the site. These proposals
were reviewed at a Public Inquiry, at which Archaeology South-East
presented expert witness. Planning consent has now been granted.
Project Officer: Dominic Perring
Text: Sam Worral
Client: Berkeley Strategic
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