Villiers Square Archaeology Method Statement

THE VILLIERS SQUARE, DOUGLAS Archaeology Method Statement

Unit 5 Spring Valley Industrial Estate Douglas Isle of Man IM2 2QT 01624 671537

[email protected]

Contents

• 1. Introduction Archaeology Method Statement____________________________________________2
• 2. Aim of Archaeological Method Statement ______________________________________________4

Appendices_____________________________________________________________________7

1 Site Downtakings Plan ____________________________________________________________7

1. Introduction Archaeology Method Statement

The Villiers Square planning application was submitted to the Planning Department on 30th October 2023 and was subsequently granted planning consent on the 29th April 2024.

During the planning stage, the Client (Tevir Properties Limited) consulted with the Planning Department regarding a planning observation made by the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society (dated 28/11/23 – ref no 23/01223/B REP 2). This observation requested that an archaeological assessment be undertaken for the site and that Manx National Heritage should maintain a watching brief in relation to the project.

During further dialogue with the Planning Officer, it was highlighted that the Client (Applicant) discussed the requirement for an archaeological assessment with its Design Team prior to the submission of the planning application. A review of the previous residential application (granted in 2013) for the site was untaken where an archaeological assessment was apparently not requested. A review of Comprehensive Treatment Area 1 (CTA 1) and relevant sections of the Area Plan for the East did not indicate the specific need for an archaeological assessment on this site. A review of the historical maps undertaken as part of the Heritage Assessment suggested that the site has been disturbed as a result of previous development i.e., the demolition of old structures, the forming of the "Villiers Yard" area, the subsequent development of the Athol & Villiers Hotel and the eventual construction of what is now known as Villiers & Clarendon House together with its basement and associated ramp.

The Site Investigation undertaken by CCG Ltd confirms that the site is largely formed from made up ground on both sides of the "old sea wall". The Applicant and the Planning Officer agreed that it was unlikely there will be other features of historical interest within the curtilage of the site, but should historical features present during the construction stages, MNH will be notified.

It was subsequently agreed (via email dated 16th April 2024 between the Applicant and the Planning Officer) that an Archaeological Method Statement should be submitted prior to the commencement of works which would include the following information.

• • Name and job title of person responsible for monitoring groundworks for archaeological remains

Name	Job Title	Role	Contact details
Lee Fowden	Site Manager	On Site Management of the construction project.	TEL - 07624 492112 EMAIL – [email protected]<br><br>
Ralph Jackson	Site Engineer	On site Management<br><br>– Setting out of new structurers line and level	TEL - 07624 353777 EMAIL – [email protected]<br><br>
Michael Fernandes	Contracts Director	Project Management	TEL – 07624 348754 EMAIL – [email protected]<br><br>

• • Method of informing site personnel of the potential for archaeological remains being uncovered, and who they should inform – Site management team to be notified with no further works undertaken until assessed, further information to be included within site inductions to all site operatives.
• • Procedure in place should features of interest be uncovered – i.e Position recorded, condition photographed and Manx Heritage notified.

This Archaeological Method Statement addresses the requirements of the Planning Department and specifically condition 10 of the planning approvals by setting out the proposed methodology of recording / reporting any features of interest.

2. Aim of Archaeological Method Statement

Following the desk top study / review referred to above, the Design and Construction team are aware of the general / assumed location of the existing sea wall (that being the only known feature of interest on the site) which may be impacted by development / site activities.

The proposed mitigation approach is as follows; Site Strip and Map

The area that may be impacted is located underneath the proposed hotel footprint It is intended to reduce dig this area to a formation level of approximately – 5.0 m AOD (Proposed finish floor level is 6.0 m AOD) – TBC

It is unlikely that the wall will be encountered at this depth however if it is, it has been agreed with the Planning Department that the position / condition of the wall will be surveyed and photographed for record keeping purposes prior to excavation to facilitate the construction works.

On-site Excavation

Where the proposed development is predicted to impact negatively on any archaeology and where the archaeology cannot be preserved in situ, (i.e., avoided and retained in the ground), then as referred to above ‘preservation by record’ will occur prior to full excavation, this requires the recording of the features revealed.

Post-Excavation Reporting

This refers to the work required after the on-site part of the works has been undertaken example of which included sample processing and analysis, finds documenting, photographic record and / or survey. Post-excavation is part of the preservation by record approach.

Archiving

Following the on-site excavation and post-excavation parts of a project, the site will have been ‘preserved by record’ when the information has been archived with the regulatory bodies. This record comprises the archive; paper and digital records.

Roles and responsibility of Site team / Action to be taken

Name	Job Title	Role	Action
Lee Fowden	Site Manager	On Site Management of the construction project.	1. Ensure all site operatives are notified through site inductions of procedures set out above.<br>2. During any excavation works, if any structures or interest are found (sea wall) notification is to be issued to the below.<br><br>MNH – Andrew Johnson TEL – 01624 648025 EMAIL - [email protected]<br><br>PO – Toby Cowell TEL – 07916 941887 EMAIL - [email protected]<br><br>3. Where development is predicted to impact negatively on any archaeology and where the archaeology cannot be preserved in situ ‘preserve and record’ will occur prior to any excavation works.<br>4. Following the on-site excavation and postexcavation parts of a project, the site will have been ‘preserved by record’ when the information has been archived with the regulatory bodies. This record comprises the archive; paper and digital records.<br>

Ralph Jackson	Site Engineer	On site Management<br><br>– Setting out of new structurers line and level	1. Ensure all site operatives are notified through site inductions of procedures set out above.<br>2. During any excavation works, if any structures or interest are found (sea wall) notification is to be issued to the below.<br><br>MNH – Andrew Johnson TEL – 01624 648025 EMAIL - [email protected]<br><br>PO – Toby Cowell TEL – 07916 941887 EMAIL - [email protected]<br><br>3. Where development is predicted to impact negatively on any archaeology and where the archaeology cannot be preserved in situ ‘preserve and record’ will occur prior to any excavation works.<br>4. Following the on-site excavation and postexcavation parts of a project, the site will have been ‘preserved by record’ when the information has been archived with the regulatory bodies. This record comprises the archive; paper and digital records.<br>
Michael Fernandes	Contracts Director	Project Management	Ensure the procedures set out above are implemented effectively by Site Management team with all inspections and records issued / communicated to relevant parties at correct times throughout the project.

Appendices

1 Site Downtakings Plan