Discovery of early Saxon burial ground fails to cause significant project delay

Client: Gallagher Estates

Location: Milton Keynes, UK

Project description: Phased archaeological investigations in order to discharge a planning condition

Archaeological investigations were complicated by the unexpected discovery of an early Saxon burial ground. WAA provided guidance to the client on how to manage the risk posed by the discovery and how to minimise potential cost and time delays.

Wardell Armstrong Archaeology was commissioned by Gallagher Estates to undertake a phased programme of archaeological investigation at the proposed Milton Keynes Western Expansion Area.

The development site was considered likely to contain archaeological remains of various periods, in the main of the Iron Age and Roman periods, which would require excavation prior to development commencing.

All archaeological work had to be completed within set timeframes to allow phased construction activity to begin within the site. Archaeological investigations were complicated by the unexpected discovery of an early Saxon burial ground. WAA provided guidance to the client on how to manage the risk posed by the discovery and how to minimise potential cost and time delays.

Advantages to client

• Negotiation with the Milton Keynes Council Planning Authority to ensure the archaeological requirements to discharge the planning condition were proportionate and justified
• Co-ordination of the archaeological fieldwork to take account of ecological constraints and farming regimes of tenant farmers
• Managing and minimising risks from the presence of unexpected archaeological remains
• Assisting the client in undertaking PR activities within the local community, such as open days at the archaeological excavations