LEC Refrigeration Site, Shripney Rd Bognor Regis, West Sussex - Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

Wessex Archaeology

The Desk-Based Assessment has demonstrated that there is a low potential for the survival of Palaeolithic deposits in the form of a ‘raised beach’ on the Site. Whilst the potential for the presence of these deposits is low, their importance requires a scheme for mitigating the possible effects of this mitigation. We cannot be certain, however, that these deposits have not suffered significant truncation by the course of the Aldingbourne Rife, or by subsequent development.

The Aldingbourne Rife itself, a substantial periglacial channel, has an intrinsic archaeological potential itself. Potentially important Mesolithic deposits have been identified within the Alluvium filled channel close to the western bank on the foreshore, and the possibility of similar material being present on the Site cannot be discounted. The likely survival of later archaeological remains and deposits, ranging in date from the Neolithic to the Post-medieval period is likely be strongly influenced by the depth of any truncation the Site has suffered, along with the potential protective benefits which may have occurred from alluviation. The level of this truncation is not only likely to influence the assessment of the archaeological potential for the Site, but also to influence any requirement for further archaeological investigation to mitigate the effects of the proposed development.

Accordingly, it is recommended that a preliminary investigation is undertaken in order to further this understanding. This investigation should establish the level of truncation to which the underlying deposits have been subjected and characterise any deposits associated with the Aldingbourne Rife and with the Pagham Raised Beach. This will enable a detailed mitigation strategy for such remains to be drawn up in consultation with the relevant authorities.