RPF DEVELOPMENTS LTD
LAND NORTH OF A602, BRAGBURY END, STEVENAGE, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG2 8SB
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
APRIL 2023
Wardell Armstrong
Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1782 276 700 www.wardell-armstrong.com
DATE ISSUED: APRIL 2023
JOB NUMBER: BE10748
RPF DEVELOPMENTS LTD
LAND NORTH OF A602, BRAGBURY END, STEVENAGE, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG2 8SB
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
APRIL 2023
PREPARED BY:
Kate Higgs Senior Archaeologist
REVIEWED BY:
Andrew Peachey Associate Director
APPROVED BY:
Rhodri Gardner Regional Director
This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known.
No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP
LAND NORTH OF A602, BRAGBURY END, STEVENAGE, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG2 8SB
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Historic Environment Record (HER) Database
Appendix 2 Cartographic Sources
Appendix 3 Plates
Appendix 4 Impact Assessment Methodology
FIGURES
Figure 1 Site location plan
Figure 2 Detailed site location plan
Figure 3 HER data
Figure 4 Dury & Andrews’s map of Hertfordshire, 1766
Figure 5 Ordnance Survey surveyors’ drawings, 1810
Figure 6 Bryant’s map of Hertfordshire, 1822
Figure 7 Parish of Datchworth tithe map, 1839
Figure 8 1st edition Ordnance Survey map, 1881
Figure 9 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map, 1898
Figure 10 3rd edition Ordnance Survey map, 1923
Figure 11 Ordnance Survey map, 1973
Figure 12 Proposed development plan
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LAND NORTH OF A602, BRAGBURY END, STEVENAGE, HERTFORDSHIRE, SG2 8SB
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In April 2023, Wardell Armstrong carried out an archaeological desk-based assessment of land to the north of A602, Bragbury End, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 8SB. The archaeological assessment was undertaken in respect of outline planning proposals for the residential development of the Site.
Based on the known evidence, the Site has only a low potential for prehistoric, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and medieval finds and features. It has a low to moderate potential for postmedieval and later remains. This relates to the usage of the Site as agricultural land and grounds associated with Bragbury House, specifically the remodelling of the grounds at Bragbury House, particularly by 1898, and the loss and relocation of field boundaries within the Site. Historic cartographic sources have consistently depicted the Site as undeveloped land.
In summary, the proposed development has the potential to reveal, negatively impact and even destroy any potential archaeological remains within the Site, should they exist. However, the Site does not incorporate any designated or non-designated heritage assets, and the HER database does not include any archaeological sites or findspots within the Site. The proposed development is judged to have only a neutral or slight significance of impact.
Consequently, it is anticipated that no further work would be required within the boundary of the Site at this stage, particularly prior to the finalisation of the planning proposals, whilst planning consent could be granted on archaeological grounds in compliance with legislation and planning policy.
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP, a Registered Organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.
1.1.2 The report sets out the archaeological and historical background of a Site on land to the north of A602, Bragbury End, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 8SB (centred on NGR TL 27249 21138). Proposals entail the residential development of the Site
1.1.3 This report provides an assessment of the significance of any known or potential heritage assets of an archaeological nature within the boundary of the Site. Potential direct impacts as a result of the proposed development to identified and potential heritage assets of an archaeological nature are established, and their heritage significance assessed. Appropriate mitigation measures for reducing/offsetting these potential impacts are proposed where relevant.
1.1.4 The assessment has been undertaken following the Standards and Guidance of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2020) and in accordance with terminology expressed within the National Planning Policy Framework. This assessment does not assess any potential indirect impacts to the setting of heritage assets.
1.1.5 In order to inform this assessment baseline data was obtained from the following:
• Hertfordshire Historic Environment Record (HER) consulted March 2023 (HER request No. 225.22);
• Historic England GIS datasets (accessed 2023);
• The National Heritage List for England (Historic England website).
1.1.6 In addition, a walkover survey of the Site was undertaken in April 2023.
1.1.7 The objectives of the assessment were to provide for the identification of areas of archaeological potential within the Site; to consider the Site within its wider archaeological context; and to describe the likely extent, nature, condition, importance and potential state of preservation of the archaeology
2 PLANNING POLICY AND LEGISLATION
2.1.1 A heritage asset is defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as ‘a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions because of its heritage interest’ (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 2021, Annex 2 page:67).
2.2 Legislation
2.2.1 Designated heritage assets protected by statutory legislation comprise Scheduled Monuments, Protected Wrecks, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Nationally significant archaeological sites, monuments and structures are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979).
2.2.2 Hedgerows are afforded protection under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (amended 2002). Hedgerows are deemed important if they:
• are associated with a Scheduled Monument or a site recorded on an Historic Environment Record; or
• form an integral part of a field system shown on a map pre-dating 1845;
• mark a parish or township boundary predating 1850; or
• mark the boundary of a pre-1600 estate.
2.3 National Planning Policy
2.3.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) supported by the National Planning Policy Guidance (PPG), which endorses the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment (Department for Communities and Local Government 2014), defines the role of the planning system as to promote and achieve sustainable development and involves ‘protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment’ (MHCLG 2021, para:8).
2.3.2 The NPPF requires that in determining applications ‘great weight’ should be given to the asset’s conservation and that ‘substantial harm to or loss of…assets of the highest significance, notably Scheduled Monuments ‘should be wholly exceptional’ (MHCLG 2021, para:194).
2.3.3 Non-statutory designated heritage assets, comprising Registered Battlefields, are protected under national and local planning policy only. This is also the case for the remainder of the archaeological resource; entries onto a historic environment record
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2.3.4 The significance of a heritage asset (designated or non-designated) is defined within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as ‘the value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest. This interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic’ (MHCLG 2021, Annex 2 page:71).
2.3.5 The setting of a heritage asset (designated or non-designated) is defined as ‘the surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative contribution to the significance of an asset, may affect the ability to appreciate that significance or may be neutral.’ (MHCLG 2021, Annex 2 page:71).
2.3.6 Where heritage assets (designated or non-designated) are to be affected by development, ‘local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance’ (MHCLG 2021, para:194).
2.3.7 Developments where substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset should be assessed against specific tests and should deliver substantial public benefits which outweigh any loss or harm (MHCLG 2021, para:195). Less than substantial harm to a designated asset would require public benefits including the securement of an optimum viable use (MHCLG 2021, para:202).
2.3.8 Impacts to the significance of non-designated assets will require a balanced judgement based on the level of significance and the scale of harm (MHCLG 2021, para:203), although non-designated assets which are of equivalent significance to designated assets will be considered as such (MHCLG 2021, page:56). Where heritage assets of an archaeological nature may be impacted upon by development ‘local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate deskbased assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation’ (MHCLG 2021, para:194).
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2.4 Local Planning Policy
2.4.1 The Local Development Framework for Stevenage district comprises the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 - 2031 (SBC 2019). The document confirms that the Site is situated on the south-eastern edge of Stevenage district. It also reveals that the Site forms part of one of Stevenage’s four major housing sites; specifically South East Stevenage (#C), which it is proposed will be developed for 550 homes.
2.4.2 In particular, the proposal is covered by Policy HO4, which is referenced in full below;
Policy HO4: South East of Stevenage
Land to the South East of Stevenage, as defined by the policies map, is allocated for the development of approximately 550 dwellings. The site will be developed as two separate parcels:
- North of the A602 (150 dwellings)
- South of the A602 (400 dwellings)
Development proposals will be permitted where the following criteria are met:
a. Satisfactory vehicular access to both sites is provided from a single point of access off the A602, in line with Highways Authority requirements;
b. The schemes are designed to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport;
c. At least 5% aspirational homes are provided in line with Policy HO9;
d. Plots to accommodate at least 1% new homes are made available for self-build purposes;
e. 30% affordable housing is provided in line with policy HO7;
f. Provision for supported or sheltered housing is made in line with Policy HO10;
g. Existing Public Rights of Way are incorporated, where possible;
h. The Ancient Lane along Aston Lane will be preserved or enhanced;
i. A full archaeological assessment is undertaken;
j. A full flood risk assessment is undertaken;
k. The proposals seek to preserve or enhance the setting of adjacent listed buildings;
l. The schemes incorporate a network of green infrastructure, with an emphasis on high quality landscaping within and around the development to reduce the impact of the development on the surrounding greenfield / Green Belt land;
m. The tree boundary on the site to the North of the A602 is retained as far as possible;
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and
n. Electric car charging points are provided at an easily accessible location within the site. The following will also be required to be provided within the parcel south of A602, unless demonstrated that these facilities are more satisfactorily accommodated on the northern part of the site:
i. Local facilities to serve the community, including a GP surgery, subject to demand; and
ii. On-site sports facilities in line with Policy HC8, including, but not limited to, the provision of a MUGA or Skate Park for children.
2.4.3 Relevant planning policy for the historic environment is presented within Policy SP13, which is referenced in full below;
Policy SP13: The historic environment
We will preserve and enhance the most important areas and characteristics of Stevenage. We:
a. Have carried out Heritage Impact Assessments for development sites within, or adjacent to, conservation areas. Site specific mitigation measures have been incorporated to minimise the impacts of development.
b. Will use national guidance and legislation to review, designate and determine planning applications affecting heritage assets.
c. Will protect areas of archaeological importance and other relevant heritage assets by applying the detailed policies set in this plan.
3 DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE
3.1 Designations
3.1.1 The Site does not incorporate any designated or non-designated heritage assets. The Hertfordshire Historic Environment Record (HER) database also reveals that the Site does not include any archaeological sites or findspots.
3.1.5 However, the Site lies to the immediate east of Area of Archaeological Significance No. 15, which demarcates the historic hamlet of Bragbury End (#NH9/12) Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) defines the Site as in use as a ‘hospital, school or university’, which refers to the previous ownership of the Site and Bragbury House by British Aerospace.
3.2 Location
3.2.1 The Site is located to the immediate east of the hamlet of Bragbury End, which lies within the district of Stevenage and the county of Hertfordshire (Fig. 1). Bragbury End is situated at the south-eastern extent of Stevenage and 4.5km to the south-east of its modern town centre. The village of Knebworth is located 2.5km to the southwest, whilst Watton at Stone lies 3.5km to the south-west. The A602 trunk-road runs roughly west to eastwards through Bragbury End and to the immediate south of the Site, whilst the railway line from Stevenage to London lies 500m to the south.
3.2.2 The Site comprises an irregularly shaped plot of land, which covers an area of approximately 8.14 hectares (Fig. 2). It is bound to the immediate south by the A602 trunk-road, which runs between Stevenage and Watton at Stone. To the immediate west of the Site stand residential properties at Bragbury, whilst to its north-west lies Stevenage Football Club Training Ground. The northern and eastern boundaries of the Site are formed by the course of Stevenage Brook, which is a tributary of the River Beane.
3.2.3 The Site is currently undeveloped, comprising rough grassland. A narrow woodland covert or band of established trees lies along the southern boundary of the Site. Further established trees stand in the western and easternmost sections of the Site, and along its northern boundary. In the eastern section of the Site also stands two square in plan, enclosed garden areas, which are lined with coniferous trees. A public footpath also runs along the northern bank of Stevenage Brook and to the Site’s north and east.
4 METHODOLOGY
4.1 Archaeological Databases
4.1.1 The standard collation of all known archaeological sites and find spots within the Stevenage district comes from the Hertfordshire Historic Environment Record (HER; request No. 225.22).
4.1.2 Significant entries from both HER databases within an approximate 1km radius of the Site are listed in Appendix 1 and plotted in Fig. 3 Where relevant, these sites and finds have been discussed in Section 5.
4.1.3 Information on designated heritage assets has been sourced from Historic England datasets.
4.2 Historical and Cartographic Sources
4.2.1 The principal sources for this type of evidence were:
• the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Library (HALS);
• online sources holding historic Ordnance Survey and tithe maps.
4.2.2 Relevant documents are listed in the Bibliography and reproduced in Figs. 4 - 11
4.3 Secondary Sources
4.3.1 All sources are listed in the Bibliography. The principal sources of secondary material were:
• the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Library (HALS);
• the Archaeology Data Service (ADS);
• the Wardell Armstrong in-house library.
4.4 Geological/Geotechnical Information
4.4.1 A description of the superficial and solid geology of the local and surrounding area was compiled in order to assess the likely presence and potential condition of any archaeological remains on the Site. This information was drawn from appropriate maps published by the Geological Survey of Great Britain (BGS 2023) and the Soil Survey of England and Wales (SSEW 1983).
4.4.2 Where available, Site Investigation reports will be referenced as appropriate and detailed within the Bibliography.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
4.5 Site Inspection
4.5.1 In the course of the archaeological desk-based assessment, a physical walkover of the Site was undertaken. The inspection had the following purposes:
• to examine the areas of archaeological potential identified during the desk-based assessment; in particular, with a view to gauging the likely survival and condition of archaeological remains;
• to identify signs of disturbance or truncation within the Site, which could affect archaeological potential;
• to review the presence/absence of earthworks indicative of the presence of archaeological remains i.e. ridge and furrow earthworks; and
• to confirm the presence/absence of historic hedgerows.
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5 THE EVIDENCE
5.1 Topography, Geology and Soils
5.1.1 The topography of Stevenage district is overshadowed by the urban area, of which Bragbury End forms its south-eastern extent (Fig. 1). Nonetheless, the hamlet of Bragbury End is situated in a shallow south-east to north-west aligned valley, which contains the Stevenage Brook. The Site lies to the immediate south of Stevenage Brook, which forms its northern and eastern boundaries.
5.1.2 The Site has a variable relief, which is consistent with it is proximity to Stevenage Brook. In general, the Site slopes downwards from its southern boundary and towards the course of the brook. A spot height of 76m AOD lies at the centre of its southern boundary. The centre of the Site comprises a large area with a flat relief at approximately 72m AOD, with a slope towards its central western section. The western section of the Site has a lower relief at approximately 67m AOD. The northern and eastern boundaries along decline to the brook at approximately 68m AOD.
5.1.3 The solid geology of the Site comprises Holywell Nodular Chalk Formation and New Pit Chalk Formation (BGS 2023). However, the Site is judged to have a variable drift geology. Its northern and eastern boundary is occupied by alluvium clay, silt sand and gravel associated with Stevenage Brook. At the centre of the Site lies clay, silt, sand and gravel Head, dating to the Quaternary period. In contrast, the Site’s central southern section is occupied by Mid Pleistocene sand and gravel glaciofluvial deposits (ibid.).
5.2 Archaeological and Historical Background
Prehistoric
5.2.1 The prehistoric landscape of the Stevenage area is relatively unknown and prehistoric remains from the district are generally limited. Palaeolithic implements have been found in brick-earth to the north of Stevenage town centre, and others have been found in a brickfield south of Stevenage and in Knebworth. In 1915, a single damaged Palaeolithic hand axe was discovered during works on the railway line c. 800m to the south-west of the Site (HER 419). The axe was found within a glaciofluvial river terrace deposit, suggesting it had been moved from its original location during the last glaciation.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
5.2.2 A puddingstone implement, which had been deliberately formed and is probably a prehistoric grain rubber, was found near Standon and 900m to the south of the Site (HER 28683). Further prehistoric remains, comprising late Neolithic/early Bronze Age pits and linear features were recorded further south-westwards at Harwood Park Crematorium are judged to represent a ritual site. Earlier investigations at the crematorium site also recorded a possible Neolithic causewayed enclosure succeeded by a timber structure and deposits of Beaker and late Bronze/early Iron Age sherds (Grassam & Williamson 2004)
5.2.3 The later prehistoric period is poorly represented in general in the Stevenage area. During the later Iron Age, Hertfordshire was occupied by the Trinovantes and Catuvellauni tribes, the latter of which was governed by Tasciovanus from the centre at Verulamium (St. Albans). A late Iron Age to Roman enclosure of possible ritual nature has also been identified from aerial photography in 1994 at Aston and also 1.1km to the north-east of the Site
Romano-British
5.2.4 No Romano-British remains are recorded in the vicinity of the Site. Nonetheless, the Six Hills, which are parallel conical barrows similar in style to the Bartlow Hills in Cambridgeshire (Smith 1971), lie towards the centre of Stevenage and indicate a Roman presence. It is likely that the the Stevenage area was characterised by a variety of relatively small, discrete communities dispersed throughout the landscape. A possible site of a Roman villa is recorded at Aston End to the north, whilst settlement in general was focussed on Verulamium, Welwyn, Baldock and Braughing.
Anglo-Saxon
5.2.5 The area surrounding the Site also does not include any Anglo-Saxon remains. The Anglo-Saxon period in Hertfordshire remains poorly understood and Saxon remains from the county as a whole are rare. It has been suggested that during the late Saxon period, the wider Stevenage area comprised a swathe of woodland dividing a dense pattern of small estates to the east and the vast lands of St Albans Abbey to the west. However, a possible early Anglo-Saxon settlement has also been identified at the Broadwater Crescent site located just over 1km to the north-west (HER 455). The site included one or more sunken hut buildings, pottery and a belt buckle dated to the late 5th century.
5.2.6 In the later Saxon period, King Edgar (AD 959 - 975) gave some 4 ¼ hides of land at Datchworth, within which parish the Site formerly lay, to the Church of St Peter at
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Westminster (Morris 1976). Most of the property (3 hides and 1 virgate) was held by the Abbot himself and the rest was given to Aluric Blac, and later seized by Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, after the Norman Conquest. The Abbot of Westminster claimed frankpledge over Stevenage, including tithings of Holwell, Cadwell, Watton, Tewin and Datchworth. It is probable that much of the land of Bragbury End was included in that held by Westminster prior to the Conquest.
Medieval
5.2.7 The hamlet of Bragbury End is first documented in the 13th century as Brakeburue or Brageberewe, within the ancient parish of Datchworth. The evolution of the name can be traced throughout the later 14th - 17th centuries and is judged to mean ‘a hill marked by a clump of fern or brushwood’ (Gover et al. 1938). Datchworth is first mentioned in AD 969 as Decewrthe and as Deccewyrŏe in 1066, meaning ‘Dæcca’s enclosure’ or ‘Dæcca and his people’ (ibid.).
5.2.8 It is judged that a small settlement grew up at Bragbury End between the 11th - 13th centuries (HER 11617), although Datchworth had been established earlier. The remains of the manor at Bragbury were likely located within the vicinity of the present Bragbury House and 125m to the west of the Site (HER 11618; Wotherspoon et al. 2004). By the end of the 16th century, the manor was purportedly owned by a Thomas Mitchell (Christie 1971).
5.2.9 Grade I listed Aston Bury, which stands 650m to the north of the Site, comprises a 1540s brick manor house, apparently on the site of a medieval manor (HER 1973). The moat at Aston Bury also suggests that there were earlier buildings; presumably a grange of Reading Abbey, which owned Aston until the Dissolution (HER 2925). An early Tudor iron sword was also found during deep ploughing to the north of Astonbury Wood and 600m to the north-north-east of the Site (HER 367).
Post-Medieval and later
5.2.10 The area surrounding the Site retained its character of agricultural land and isolated farmsteads and small settlements until the later 20th century (Page 1912). The postmedieval period is evidenced only by the farmstead of Broom Barns, which stands 980m to the west and has medieval origins (HER 30230). An 18th century milestone is located between Hooks Cross and Bragbury End, and 180m beyond the Site’s southeastern corner (HER 5064). It denotes 28 miles from London and marks the parish boundary.
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5.2.11 The hamlet of Bragbury End incorporates a number of early modern Grade II listed structures, notable Bragbury House only 20m to the west of the Site, which was largely built in the 17th century, although the hall and two cross wings were possibly already standing by 1600 (HER 11618). To the south of the A602 trunk road, the Chequer public house has a painted date of 1727 (HER 11619), whilst Bragbury End Farmhouse dates to the 17th century, and possibly earlier (HER 11620).
5.2.12 To the north-north-east of the Site, the Aston Bury estate incorporates a Grade II listed 17th century timber framed barn, which is now in use as a meeting hall (HER 11030). The Grade II listed Aston Bury Farmhouse is an Arts and Crafts house built c 1907 by Forsyth & Maule, for Vernon A Malcomson of Aston Bury (HER 13021). The associated Aston Bury Farm is an early 20th century planned farm, which replaced the older farmstead 300m to the south (HER 15695). Similarly, the park and garden at Aston Bury was laid out in 1907 and 1924 but with earlier elements (HER 15696).
The modern period in Bragbury End is also represented by a brick railway bridge over Bragbury Lane, located 550m to the south-east of the Site and presumably built at the same time or just after the railway line was constructed (HER 7241). The railway line and associated embankment was built as part of the ‘Enfield and Stevenage Loop Line’, which was formed in three stages between 1871 and 1924.
5.2.13 The history and development of the Site is closely allied with the establishment and evolution of Grade II listed Bragbury House, which stands 20m to the west and has 17th century origins. Despite previous archaeological and historic building investigations upon Bragbury House (Williams 2007; Prosser, Collins, Goldsmith, Wotherspoon, Henry & Roberts 2006; HERs EHT1330, EHT1331 & EHT5312), relatively little is known about the development of Bragbury House, particularly in respect to its grounds
5.2.14 The extant Grade II listed Bragbury House was built in 1760 for William Manfield, and was in the possession of Lady Baxter at the time of Dury and Andrews’ map, which dates to 1766 (Fig. 4). The Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Library (HALS) holds very few documents concerning Bragbury House and even Bragbury End as a whole, and none are relevant to the Site.
5.2.15 Historical documents appear to be limited to the title deeds for Bragbury House, dated 1st December 1819 (Ref. DE/X55/Z2/17). The owner and occupier of the property from at least 1832 was John Green Esq. (Kelly & Co. 1832). During the 1840s, he lived at Bragbury with his wife, two children and a considerable household.
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He was succeeded as the listed owner by his widow, Mary Green, in 1851 (Kelly & Co. 1851) who lived the house until 1869 (ibid 1869). In 1870, the property was registered to a farmer, Mr Noah Chalkley (ibid 1870), who is listed on the 1871 census as a farmer employing seven men and three boys.
5.2.16 However, by 1874, Bragbury House had changed hands once more with the name of Humphrey Stanley Herbert Jones C.B. J.P. (ibid 1874) who held the property until it was acquired by Samuel Sharp Berger, a former manufacturing chemist in 1890 (ibid 1890). Samuel Berger is recorded as occupying the property until 1910 (ibid 1910). By 1914, the new owner, Major Arthur John Bonfoy St Leger (1859 - 1939), a former Justice of the Peace for Huntingdonshire, had moved in and is registered until 1918 (ibid 1914; 1918). A new occupier, Mrs Jessie Nancy Warner is listed from 19291937 when the accessible records end (ibid 1929; 1937).
5.2.17 Local history sources suggest that Bragbury House was used as a hospital during WWI (1914 – 18), and was requisitioned by the government during WWII (1939 –45), before being acquired, along with its ‘extensive 45 acre grounds’, by British Aerospace. The property and its grounds were used as the sports and social club for British Aerospace until 1995. However, files from the architects department of Stevenage Development Corporation suggest that during February 1955 – June 1961 the sports field and hostel accommodation at Bragbury End, and therefore the Site, was occupied by English Electric; a British industrial manufacturer that merged with the General Electric Company (GEC) in 1968 (Ref. CNT/ST/5/1/AP/E13 Vol 1).
5.3 Cartographic Sources
Dury & Andrews’s map of Hertfordshire, 1766
5.3.1 The earliest cartographic source to depict the Site comprises Dury and Andrews’s map of Hertfordshire, which dates to 1766 (Fig. 4). At the beginning of the early modern period, the Site clearly lay to the east of the hamlet of Bragbury End, with Bragbury House clearly labelled as being in the possession of Lady Baxter. To the north and north-east of the Site stood a large woodland covert associated with Aston Bury. In 1766, the Site clearly consisted of agricultural land, located to the north of the road running between Stevenage and Watton at Stone.
Ordnance Survey surveyors’ drawings, 1810
5.3.2 The Ordnance Survey surveyors’ drawings, which date to 1810 (Fig. 5), are consistent with the previous cartographic evidence. In 1810, the Site lay to the east of the
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hamlet of Bragbury End, which was dominated by Bragbury House towards its northern extent. To the north and north-east of the Site remained the large woodland covert associated with Aston Bury. In 1810, the Site remained as agricultural land, located to the north of the road and south of Stevenage Brook.
Bryant’s map of Hertfordshire, 1822
5.3.3 Bryant’s map of Hertfordshire, which dates to 1822 (Fig. 6), is also consistent with the previous cartographic source. By the early 19th century, the Site still lay to the east of the hamlet of Bragbury End, with the grounds and parkland of Bragbury House clearly marked in green To the north and north-east of the Site remained the large Aston Bury Wood. In 1822, the Site remained as agricultural land, located to the north of the road and south of Stevenage Brook. Interestingly, the western section of the Site also lay within the parkland associated with Bragbury House Parish of Datchworth tithe map, 1839
5.3.4 The parish of Datchworth tithe map, which dates to 1839 (Fig. 7; Ref. DSA4/34/1), was issued only 17 years after the previous cartographic source, and is thus consistent with Bryant’s map. In the mid 19th century, the Site still lay to the east of the hamlet of Bragbury End, specifically Bragbury House. It was also situated at the easternmost extent of the parish and to the north of the road, whilst Stevenage Brook appeared to terminate part way along the Site’s northern boundary. The 1839 tithe map also reveals that the Site consisted of sections of six plots of land.
5.3.5 The accompanying tithe apportionment (Ref. DSA4/34/2) reveals that the Site was divided between three owners. The three plots in the western section of the Site (#12, #13 & #15) were owned by John Green Esq. who also held Bragbury House (#9) and much of the surrounding land. The centre of the Site (#16 & #17) was owned by Miss Walmsley, but tenanted to Samuel Woollatt. In contrast, the south-eastern corner of the Site (#18) was owned by Abel Smith Esq., but farmed by Thomas Maynard. In 1839, the Site consisted of a mixture of pasture and arable land, whilst a wooded Shrubbery (#13) separated the western section of the Site from its main section.
1st edition Ordnance Survey map, 1886
5.3.6 The 1st edition Ordnance Survey map, which dates to 1886 (Fig. 8), is consistent with the previous cartographic evidence. As previously, in the late 19th century, the Site still lay to the east of Bragbury House. It was also situated to the north of the road,
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2nd edition Ordnance Survey map, 1898
5.3.7 The 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map, which dates to 1898 (Fig. 9), is consistent with the previous cartographic sources, yet depicts significant changes within the Site. The Site remained to the east of Bragbury House, and appears to have been remodelled as part of the development of the grounds at Bragbury House. The aforementioned five adjoining fields and four field boundaries were no longer evidence, as by 1898 the Site consisted of only three fields with two newly laid field boundaries aligned north to south. The westernmost section of the Site (#34) also appeared to form part of the garden surrounding Bragbury House. The extant narrow woodland covert or band of established trees lies along the southern boundary of the Site had also been planted by 1898. A roundel of trees had also been established in the central eastern section of the Site.
3rd edition Ordnance Survey map, 1923
5.3.8 The 3rd edition Ordnance Survey map, which dates to 1923 (Fig. 10), is consistent with the previous cartographic source. As previously, the Site still lay to the east of Bragbury House, with the Site’s western section, at least, forming part of the associated grounds. The Site still consisted of three fields, with the two north to south field boundaries crossing the Site. As previously, the Site also contained the narrow woodland covert or band of established trees along its southern boundary, and the roundel of trees in its central eastern section.
Ordnance Survey map, 1973
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Page 16 and immediately south of Stevenage Brook, which clearly extended eastwards beyond the Site. In 1886, the Site consisted of sections of five adjoining fields and was crossed by four field boundaries, with no evidence for the former Shrubbery that had separated the western section of the Site from its main section 47 years earlier.
5.3.9 The final historic cartographic source to depict the Site comprises the 1973 Ordnance Survey map (Fig. 11). It is broadly consistent with the previous historic cartographic sources, yet the Site had been amalgamated into a single field. The extant two square in plan, enclosed garden areas, which are lined with coniferous trees, were also apparent in the western section of the Site in 1973. The aforementioned narrow woodland covert or band of established trees remained along the southern boundary of the Site, whilst the former roundel is represented only by a small clump of trees in the Site’s central eastern section.
5.4 Site Visit
5.4.1 A physical walkover of the Site was undertaken on Monday 17th April 2023 in order to examine the areas of archaeological potential identified during the archaeological desk-based assessment and to consider the significance of any above ground structures, historic buildings, and historic landscape features. The Site visit confirmed that the Site is located to the immediate east of the hamlet of Bragbury End, specifically Bragbury House (DP 1). Current access to the Site is from the west via Aston Lane and the car park associated with Stevenage Football Club Training Ground (DP 2), with only very limited vehicular access into the Site itself.
5.4.2 The Site visit confirmed that the Site lies to the immediate north of the A602 trunkroad (DP 3), which runs between Stevenage and Watton at Stone. The southern boundary of the Site is dominated by the narrow woodland covert or band of established trees, but is also demarcated in part by a modern green mesh security fence (DP 4). A modern gateway (DP 5) lies along the fence line, but there is currently limited opportunity for access into the Site using the gate given the speed of traffic on the road.
5.4.3 The Site visit also confirmed that the northern and eastern boundaries of the Site are formed by the course of Stevenage Brook (DP 6). The main existing access into the Site is from the northern bank of the brook and via a footbridge located at the northeastern most corner of the Site (DP 7). Beside the footbridge stands a small concrete building, which is an Environmental Agency flow gauging station (DP 8). A second footbridge over Stevenage Brook lies further westwards and along the centre of the Site’s northern boundary, but is no longer in use (DP 9).
5.4.4 During the physical walkover, it was confirmed that the Site is situated upon a variable relief, which is consistent with it is proximity to Stevenage Brook. The majority of the Site, specifically its centre, has a flat relief, with a bank towards its central western section (DP 10). The western section of the Site has a lower relief, as do the Site’s northern and eastern boundaries, which along decline down to the brook (DP 11). The southern boundary of the Site has the highest relief, with a bank rising to the aforementioned trees and modern green mesh security fence (DP 12)
5.4.5 The Site visit also confirmed that the Site is dominated by its rough grassland (DPs 13 & 14), presumably derelict land no longer in use for agricultural usage. It incorporates a large number of established trees, particularly along its southern boundary and along Stevenage Brook and the Site’s northern and eastern extents.
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The western section of the Site also includes established trees, particularly the two square in plan, enclosed garden areas, which are lined with coniferous trees (DP 15). During the physical walkover, it was also noted that a series of manholes (DP 16) are located along the northern boundary of the Site.
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6 ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL
6.1 Summary Potential
6.1.1 Based on the evidence presented above, the potential of the Site may be judged as follows:
6.1.2 Prehistoric – Low. Prehistoric evidence is concentrated at Harwood Park Crematorium, located 1.1km to the south-west of the Site, which has revealed evidence for an extensive late Neolithic/early Bronze Age ritual site, whilst only two prehistoric findspots are recorded in the vicinity of the Site.
6.1.3 Roman – Low No Romano-British remains are recorded in the vicinity of the Site
6.1.4 Anglo-Saxon – Low The area surrounding the Site also does not include any AngloSaxon remains.
6.1.5 Medieval – Low. Documentary evidence reveals a 13th century origin for Bragbury End and it is suggested that the remains of the medieval manor at Bragbury were likely located within the vicinity of the present Bragbury House and 20m to the west of the Site.
6.1.6 Post-Medieval – Low to moderate Historic cartographic sources have revealed that the Site has remained as undeveloped land, predominantly agricultural in usage, whilst the western section of the Site formed part of the grounds associated with Bragbury House. However, the Site has the potential to reveal evidence for the early modern and modern remains associated with the remodelling of the grounds at Bragbury House, particularly by 1898, and the loss and relocation of field boundaries within the Site.
6.2 Regional Research
Objectives
6.2.1 The research priorities for the region are set out in Glazebrook (1997) and Brown & Glazebrook (2000) and amplified by Medlycott & Brown (2008) and Medlycott (2011). The research agendas will be used to guide reporting on the results of the project. The Site has only a limited potential for all archaeological periods.
6.2.2 It has only a low potential for prehistoric, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and medieval finds and features, but a low to moderate potential for post-medieval and later remains. This relates to the usage of the Site as agricultural land and grounds associated with Bragbury House, specifically the remodelling of the grounds at Bragbury House, particularly by 1898, and the loss and relocation of field boundaries within the Site.
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6.2.3 The issues identified by Andrew (Medlycott 2011, 72) remain valid research subjects for the post-medieval period. Relevant post-medieval research agenda include how best can we synthesise what we already know about the post-medieval period.
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7 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
7.1 Proposed Development
7.1.1 It is proposed to development the Site for residential usage (Fig. 12). Current proposals are for 150 dwellings within the Site, and will forms part of a larger residential development comprising 550 dwellings. The proposed new dwellings will be grouped within residential housing clusters and sited within the central and eastern sections of the Site.
7.1.2 The proposal will include the development of a new roundabout along the A602 trunk-road towards the western section of the Site, which will provide new access into the Site. The primary vehicle access will lead north-eastwards from the new roundabout and run roughly parallel to Stevenage Brook, and also run northwestwards into the Site’s northern section. Secondary vehicle access will separate the residential housing clusters, whilst pedestrian routes are proposed along the southern bank of Stevenage Brook.
7.1.3 The proposed development will retain and enhance tree planting and open space, particularly along the Site’s southern, northern and eastern boundaries. The western section of the Site will also remain undeveloped, comprising green open space consistent with its existing usage and Stevenage Football Club Training Ground, whilst also forming a buffer for Bragbury House and associated existing dwellings.
7.1.4 The proposed development will have a relatively extensive impact upon the Site, as well as its setting. In particular, the character of the Site will alter significantly, although its residential usage will be in-keeping with the majority of Stevenage district. The Site’s proposals also form part of a larger residential development comprising 550 dwellings, which will be located to its south beyond the A602. However, the proposed development will be predominantly screen from view by established trees along its southern, northern and eastern boundaries, and by the undeveloped green open space within the Site’s western section.
7.1.5 The proposed development within the Site has the potential to reveal, negatively impact and even destroy archaeological evidence. Truncation and groundworks are planned only within the footprints of the proposed new dwellings, which will be grouped within residential housing clusters and sited within the central and eastern sections of the Site.
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7.2 Direct Impacts
7.2.1 Appendix 4 describes the methodology for assessing the magnitude of impact and the overall significance of impact.
7.2.2 The Site has been identified as having only a low potential for prehistoric, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and medieval finds and features, but a low to moderate potential for post-medieval and later remains. This relates to the usage of the Site as agricultural land and grounds associated with Bragbury House, specifically the remodelling of the grounds at Bragbury House, particularly by 1898, and the loss and relocation of field boundaries within the Site.
7.2.3 The Site does not incorporate any designated or non-designated heritage assets, and the HER database does not include any archaeological sites or findspots within the Site The Site is therefore regarded as having negligible importance as a heritage asset.
7.2.4 The magnitude of impact of the proposed development on potential archaeological remains of all periods is judged to be minor adverse as a worst-case scenario
7.2.5 The significance of impact to potential archaeology within the Site as a consequence of ground disturbance is devised by cross referencing the importance of the receptor with the magnitude of the impact. The proposed development is therefore judged to have a neutral or slight significance of impact.
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8.1.1 In this instance the ‘field evaluation’ referred to within paragraph 189 of the NPPF is not considered necessary at the predetermination stage; it being reasonably assumed that if evaluation were a pre-requisite of all applications potentially affecting archaeological remains then this would be expressly stated within the policy. As it is not, the ‘where necessary’ should be applied proportionally, most likely being required on site’s where remains of potential high (national) importance could be located which could preclude development. On the baseline presented here, there is no evidence to indicate the presence of remains of national importance.
8.1.2 It is anticipated that archaeological fieldwork, if it is required, could be delayed as a condition to consent and undertaken as mitigation works, as a phased programme if considered necessary, in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation prepared in consultation with the Stevenage District Planning Archaeologist. This would, in consideration of the Planning Practice Guidance, be reasonable and proportionate on reflection of the information presented within the baseline data, which indicates that there is no evidence to suggest the presence of remains within the boundary of the Site, which could preclude development.
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9 COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY AND LEGISLATION
9.1 Legislation
9.1.1 The proposals would not affect a Scheduled Ancient Monument, or other archaeological remains of national importance. The proposals would not therefore be in contravention of the 1979 Act.
9.2 Policy
9.2.1 In accordance with paragraph 189 of the NPPF this assessment has described the significance of potential buried remains, which could be affected by the proposals. This report constitutes the appropriate desk-based assessment required and has demonstrated that a field evaluation to determine the application is not necessary in this instance. There is no indication that potential archaeological remains within the Site would preclude development and as such their potential removal could be mitigated by a programme of archaeological fieldwork undertaken as a condition to planning consent if this is deemed necessary by the Planning Archaeologist.
9.2.2 In accordance with Policy HO4 and Policy SP13, this assessment has provided the sufficient information to assess the impacts of development on historic environment assets together with any proposed mitigation measures.
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10 CONCLUSION
10.1.1 This archaeological desk-based assessment has included a review of the Historic Environment Record (HER) database, an analysis of historic cartographic sources and the results of a walkover survey.
10.1.2 Based on the known evidence, the Site has only a low potential for prehistoric, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and medieval finds and features. It has a low to moderate potential for post-medieval and later remains. This relates to the usage of the Site as agricultural land and grounds associated with Bragbury House, specifically the remodelling of the grounds at Bragbury House, particularly by 1898, and the loss and relocation of field boundaries within the Site. Historic cartographic sources have consistently depicted the Site as undeveloped land.
10.1.3 In summary, the proposed development has the potential to reveal, negatively impact and even destroy any potential archaeological remains within the Site, should they exist. However, the Site does not incorporate any designated or non-designated heritage assets, and the HER database does not include any archaeological sites or findspots within the Site. The proposed development is judged to have only a neutral or slight significance of impact
10.1.4 Consequently, it is anticipated that no further work would be required within the boundary of the Site at this stage, particularly prior to the finalisation of the planning proposals, whilst planning consent could be granted on archaeological grounds in compliance with legislation and planning policy.
11 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Documentary Sources
• British Geology Service (2023) Geology of Britain viewer Available http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html
• Brown, N & Glazebrook, J (eds.) (2000) Research and Archaeology: A Framework for the Eastern Counties. 2. Research Agenda and Strategy, East Anglian Archaeology Occasional Papers 8
• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) (2020) Standards and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment. Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, Reading
• Christie, M. (1971) ‘Datchworth’ in Page, W. (ed.) The Victoria History of the County of Hertfordshire. Volume III. Dawsons of Pall Mall, London, pp. 78 - 81
• DCLG (2014) Planning Practice Guidance
• Defra (2002) Amendment to the Hedgerow Regulations 1997: A guide to the law and good practice – amendment 2002
• Glazebrook, J (ed.) (1997) Research and Archaeology: A Framework for the Eastern Counties. 1. Resource Assessment East Anglian Archaeology Occasional Papers 3
• Gover J., Mawer A. & Stenton F. (1938) The Place Names of Hertfordshire English Place Name Society Volume XV. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Grassam, A. & Williamson, I. (2004) Access Road, Car Park & Reception/Storage Building, Harwood Park Crematorium, Bragbury End, Stevenage. An Archaeological Excavation Interim Site Narrative. Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS, now WA) unpublished report No. 1614
• Highways Agency (2021) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges
• Historic England. (2019) National Heritage List for England downloadable GIS data
• Medlycott, M & Brown, N. (2008) Revision of the Regional Archaeological Framework for the Eastern Region. ALGAO East of England, http://www.eaareports.org.uk
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• Medlycott, M. (ed.) (2011) Research and Archaeology revisited: a revised framework for the East of England, ALGAO East of England Region, East Anglian Archaeology Occasional Papers 24
• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. (2019) National Planning Policy Framework
• Kelly & Co. (1832) Essex, Herts and Middlesex Directory 1832. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1851) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1851. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1869) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1869. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1870) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1870. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1874) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1874. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1890) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1890. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1910) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1910. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1914) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1914. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1918) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1918. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1929) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1929. Kelly & Co., London
• Kelly & Co. (1937) Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire, 1937. Kelly & Co., London
• Morris, J. (ed.) (1976) Domesday Book: Hertfordshire. Phillimore, Chichester
• Page, W. (ed.) (1914) Victoria History of the County of Hertford. Vol. III. Institute of Historical Research at the University of London
• Prosser, L. Collins, T. Goldsmith, A., Wotherspoon, M., Henry, K. & Roberts, B. (2006) Bragbury House, Bragbury End, Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Historic Building Recording’. Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS, now WA) unpublished report no. 2129
• Smith, R. (1971) ‘Anglo-Saxon remains’ in Page, W. (ed.) The Victoria History of the County of Hertfordshire. Volume I. Dawsons of Pall Mall, London, pp. 251 - 63
• Soil Survey of England and Wales (SSEW) (1983) Legend for the 1:250,000 Soil Map of England and Wales. SSEW, Harpenden
• Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) (2019) Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 –2031. SBC
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• Williams, J. (2007) Bragbury House, Bragbury End, Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Archaeological Monitoring and Recording. Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS, now WA) unpublished report No. 1975
Internet Sources
• http://www.ads.ahds.ac.uk
• http://www.british-history.ac.uk
• https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list
• https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/archive/collections/aerial-photos
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APPENDIX 1 Historic Environment Record (HER) Database
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The following sites are those that lie within a 1km radius of the Site. The table has been compiled from data held by the Hertfordshire Historic Environment Record (HER; request No. 225.22).
HER NGR TL Description
Prehistoric
419
265 208
28683 27 20
Medieval
367 276 216
Badly damaged Palaeolithic flint axe found c. 1915 on or near the railway near Bragbury End
Puddingstone implement which is probably a prehistoric grain rubber found near Standon
Early Tudor iron sword found during deep ploughing in 1957 to the north of Astonbury Wood at Aston. The sword was corroded but complete with a disc pommel and single edged blade 60cm long
1973 2760 2169
2925 2760 2169
11617 2690 2110
Post-medieval & later
5064 2766 2076
Grade I listed Aston Bury is a 1540s brick manor house, apparently on the site of a medieval manor
The moat at Aston Bury, now a 16th century house, suggests that there were earlier buildings here; presumably a grange of Reading Abbey, which owned Aston until the Dissolution
Bragbury End is a small hamlet at a green on the main road between Stevenage and Hertford, now at the outer limits of the New Town
Milestone located to the north of the Horseshoes public house between Hooks Cross and Bragbury End, and denoting 28 miles from London
7241 2684 2085
11030 27558 21760
11618 26915 21164
11619 26938 21071
Early 20th century railway bridge over Bragbury Lane at Datchworth
Grade II listed 17th century timber framed barn, now a meeting hall, located 70m to the north-west of Aston Bury
Grade II listed Bragbury is a late 16th century country house with complex structural history
Grade II listed The Chequers public house dates from the 18th century, and is a one-storey building with attics, and three gabled dormers in the tiled roof
11620 2683 2107
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Bragbury End Farm is a post-medieval farmstead with Grade II listed mid 16th century farmhouse, and 16th century and later
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farm buildings
13021 27381 21900 Grade II listed Aston Bury Farmhouse is an Arts & Crafts house built c.1907 by Forsyth & Maule, for Vernon A Malcomson of Aston Bury
15695 2752 2209 Aston Bury Farm is an early 20th century planned farm, which replaced the older farmstead 300m to the south
15696 2762 2168 Park and garden at Aston Bury was laid out in 1907 and 1924 but with earlier elements; now partly built over
30230 26290 21346 Site of Brooms Barns on Ranworth Avenue, which was a postmedieval farmstead with medieval origins
Undated
17102 26795 20173 Undated cropmark of an historic footpath across fields east of Bragbury Lane
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2 Cartographic Sources
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3 PLATES
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DP 1. View westwards from the north-western boundary of the Site, looking towards Bragbury End and Bragbury House.
DP 2. View north-north-westwards from the centre of the Site, looking towards Stevenage Football Club Training Ground
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DP 3. View southwards of the southern boundary of the Site, which is demarcated by the A602 trunk-road
DP 4. View southwards of the southern boundary of the Site, which is demarcated in part by a modern green mesh security fence, with the A602 beyond
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DP 5. View southwards of the modern gates located along the southern boundary of the Site, with the A602 beyond.
DP 6. View south-eastwards of Stevenage Brook, which forms the Site’s northern boundary, with the Site beyond.
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DP 7. View south-westwards of current main access into the Site, which comprises a footbridge over Stevenage Brook
DP 8. View north-westwards of the Environmental Agency flow gauging station located along the brook and at the north-eastern corner of the Site
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DP 9. View south-westwards of the blocked and disused footbridge located along the brook and the Site’s northern boundary.
DP 10 View northwards across the centre of the Site, which comprises undeveloped rough grassland.
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DP 11 View northwards across the northern section of the Site, which declines down to the course of Stevenage Brook.
DP 12. View southwards up to the highest relief of the Site, which comprises the southern boundary of the Site
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DP 13. View westwards across the centre of the Site, which comprises undeveloped rough grassland.
DP 14. View north-eastwards across the centre of the Site, which comprises undeveloped rough grassland
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DP 15. View westwards across the western section of the Site, showing the planned planting of deciduous trees associated with Bragbury House.
DP 16. View north-eastwards of the Site’s north-eastern corner, showing one of the manholes within the Site.
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APPENDIX 4
DMRB Impact Assessment Methodology
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In ascribing levels of importance to heritage assets, the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, LA 104 Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (Highways England 2019) has been used, see Table 1 below.
The magnitude of impact is measured from the condition that would prevail in a ‘do nothing’ scenario and it is assessed without regard to the importance of the receptor (Highways England, 2019).
The worst magnitude of impact would be loss of resource and/or quality and integrity of resource and severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements.
In ascribing the magnitude of impact, guidance presented in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, LA 104 Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (Highways England 2019) has been used, see Table 2 below.
The significance of impact is devised by cross referencing the importance of the receptor with the magnitude of the impact, see Table 3. In some cases the significance of impact is shown as being one of two alternatives. In these cases a single description should be decided upon with reasoned judgement for that level of significance chosen.
Table 1: Establishing the importance of a heritage asset
Value(sensitivity)
Very High
High
Medium
Typicaldescription
Very high importance and rarity, international scale and very limited potential for substitution
High importance and rarity, national scale, and limited potential for substitution
Medium or high importance and rarity, regional scale, limited potential for substitution.
Low Low or medium importance and rarity, local scale
Negligible
Very low importance and rarity, local scale
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, LA 104 Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (Highways England 2019)
Table 2: Establishing the magnitude of impact
Magnitude of impact (change) Typicaldescription
Major Adverse Loss of resource and/or quality and integrity of resource; severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements.
Beneficial Large scale or major improvement of resource quality; extensive restoration; major improvement of attribute quality.
Moderate Adverse Loss of resource, but not adversely affecting the integrity; partial loss of/damage to key characteristics, features or elements.
Beneficial Benefit to, or addition of, key characteristics, features or elements; improvement of attribute quality.
Minor Adverse Some measurable change in attributes, quality or vulnerability; minor loss of, or alteration to, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements.
Beneficial
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Minor benefit to, or addition of, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements; some beneficial impact on attribute or a reduced risk
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Magnitude of impact (change)
Negligible Adverse
Beneficial
No change
Typicaldescription
of negative impact occurring.
Very minor loss or detrimental alteration to one or more characteristics, features or elements.
Very minor benefit to or positive addition of one or more characteristics, features or elements.
No loss or alteration of characteristics, features or elements; no observable impact in either direction.
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, LA 104 Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (Highways England, 2019)
Table 3: Establishing the significance of impact Value/Importance
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, LA 104 Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (Highways England, 2019
Table 4: Significance categories
SignificanceCategory TypicalDescription
Verylarge
Large
Moderate
Slight
Neutral
Effects at this level are material in the decision-making process.
Effects at this level are likely to be material in the decision-making process
Effects at this level can be considered to be material decision-making factors
Effects at this level are not material in the decision-making process
No effects or those that are beneath levels of perception, within normal bounds of variation or within the margin of forecasting error
Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, LA 104 Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (Highways England, 2019)
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