SDO12351 - Proposed Development at Chantmarle (Former Police Training College), Cattistock, Dorset. Assessment of Archaeological Potential

An archaeological assessment was undertaken to establish if a planning application for redevelopment of the former Police Training College (1950 to 1994) at Chantmarle, near Cattistock - ST 58700230 - has the potential to incur impact on below-ground archaeological deposits. Chantmarle Manor House and gardens are of exceptional architectural and historical importance. The house marks the site of habitation from at least the early 13th century. The present buildings date from the later 15th century. The proposed development area lies to the north and west of the house. Cartographic evidence (19th and early 20th century) shows that this was an area of orchard and pasture prior to the construction of the Police Training College in the 1950s. The complex of modern buildings currently occupying the site has undoubtedly severely reduced the potential for the survival of archaeological deposits on the site (if they occur). However, it does appear that certain areas where new buildings are proposed are less likely to have suffered extensive ground disturbance in the past, that is, intact or nearly intact ground levels may survive. Four such areas across the site have been defined (Areas A-D). These areas have the potential for archaeological survival, particularly for subsoil deposits and/or features associated with medieval and post-medieval occupation of the site. It may be appropriate to evaluate these areas further, prior to full planning determination, in accordance with the Department of the Environment's Planning Policy Guidance 16 - Archaeology and Planning (1990).