Archaeological excavations begin at Amphora Homes’ Creffield Road development

Date issued: 2 December 2019

Following Colchester Amphora Homes’ successful planning approval for their upcoming development at Creffield Road in Lexden, Colchester, work is now underway to determine if the site has any major archaeological significance prior to construction works beginning in 2020.

The site has been earmarked as potentially notable due to its location on a former Roman Road and in a historic site of interest. The investigation work will be led by Colchester Archaeological Trust (CAT), supported by Colchester Borough Council’s Archaeological Advisor.

Phase 1 works will consist of the following:

• One test-pit, 2m by 2m, in the northwest corner of the proposed new building and in the centre of the projected route of the Roman road
• One evaluation trench, 5m long by 1.2m wide, positioned across the edge of the projected route of the Roman road to establish the exact position of this edge and any associated roadside ditch.

Cllr Theresa Higgins, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, commenting on the excavations following a site visit, said: “This archaeological exploration is crucial to help us understand more of our wonderful Roman history. I am delighted to have seen first-hand the care that is being taken during this process.”

The inaugural development by Colchester Amphora Homes is comprised of a locally listed Victorian building, which is being refurbished into six apartments, and two new town houses which are being built in the grounds of the Victorian villa. The development is part of a wider delivery of 400 homes across the town, including a 30% affordable allocation.

For more information on the development and CAHL, visit www.amphora-homes.co.uk