Archaeological discovery will not delay development plans
The discovery of a Roman settlement in Tangmere will ‘not affect the previously anticipated timescales’ for the build of 1,300 homes, the developer has revealed.
An archaeological dig in Tangmere – to support the planning process for the development of 1,300 homes – has identified ‘areas of archaeologicalinterest’onthesite,whichincludes the remains of a Roman settlement.
Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd is working with Chichester District Council and Tangmere Parish Council on the development of 1,300 homes and community facilities at Tangmere Village.
As a result of the discovery, the University College of London's (UCL) Archaeology South-east team will be undertaking archaeological excavations across 14 hectares of the site ‘over the course of the next three years’.
The excavation will cover 14 hectares, with work commencing in April 2024 and running until late 2026.
The incredible discovery on land earmarked for new homes left residents wondering if a newplancouldbepossible.this newspaper also asked the project team how the discovery will affectthetimetableforbuilding.
Aspokespersonsaid:“chichester District Council resolved to grant outline planning permission for development on the site, however, the detailed or ‘reserved matters’ planning application(s) are still to be agreed and finalised. We are therefore still someway off having full planning permission to commence construction.
"These applications can progress whilst archaeology works are undertaken.
“These works do not affect the previously anticipated timescales associated with the delivery of the scheme.”
Asked if plans will have to change to preserve the finds, the spokesperson added: “No, the technical work undertaken to support the outline planning process identified areas of archaeological interest.
“The extent and focus of the archaeologicalinvestigationsare inlinewithaninformedandcollaborativeconsultationprocess, whereby the permitted masterplan layout for development of Tangmeresdlallowsforanarea of preservation in situ with the remainder of the site to be preserved by record and excavated to fully appreciate the archaeological origins of the site.”