Archaeological monitoring (watching brief) at Colchester Retail Park, Sheepen Road, Colchester, Essex – August 2012

Observations were made during the excavation of an engineering trench through modern car-park hardstanding and its associated sub-base. At the eastern end of the trench, the hardstanding sealed modern concrete and, at the western end, geo-textile. The hardstanding sealed a horizon of made-up ground, ie substantial deposits of builder’s debris (brick, slate and plastic, none of which was retained). This was probably associated with the construction of the retail park in the late 1990s.
Excavation was halted at this depth.
No archaeological features were identified, and there were no finds.
The made-up ground under the modern surface was not penetrated, but it may be assumed that it seals any underlying archaeological horizons, which remain in situ and unaffected by the investigation.
Further monitoring will be required after the formalisation of the foundation design, so that any archaeological material that will be affected or removed by the work can be recorded.