2018:752 - Shantallow (Fir Road, Ballyarnett), Derry

Some invasive site-works were undertaken at the site of proposed development at lands between 1 and 7 Fir Road, Ballyarnett, Derry, Co. Londonderry prior to the issuing of full Planning Approval, with the excavation of foundations for 5 houses within the northern portion of the site. However, visual inspection of the trenches on 12 July 2018 revealed that the site has undergone a considerable degree of disturbance within the relatively recent past with the foundation trenches apparently cut into approximately 1.5m of modern overburden. On-site discussions with the developer and a site walkover survey confirmed that much of the remainder of the site appeared to be covered with a layer of modern overburden.

All other primary ground reduction works associated with the development of the site (including excavation of foundation trenches for Houses 6-16, excavations for service provision and roads) were undertaken under strict archaeological supervision from 21 September 2018 – 7 March 2019.

Monitoring revealed that topsoil and modern overburden varied in depth between c.0.8m and 1.8m and its removal revealed natural subsoil; a mid-orange grey sand with seams of gravel.

The overburden layers contained considerable quantities of modern building/construction materials including electrical cabling, gas cylinders, car parts, concrete, bricks, timber, and a layer of what appeared to be broken plaster mouldings, presumably associated with the previous use of the site.

These modern overburden layers lay directly above subsoil, suggesting that the site had undergone a considerable degree of sub-surface ground disturbance following the period when it was used as a schoolhouse.

No archaeological features, remains, deposits or artifacts were identified within the boundaries of the proposed development area during archaeological works at the site.

Christopher J. Farrimond, FarrimondMacManus Ltd (Derry), 150 Elmvale, Culmore, Derry BT48 8SL.