Plans to build 115 new homes on the outskirts of Radstock have been halted following the discovery of an extraordinary Iron Age settlement at the proposed site near the village of Haydon.
Archaeologists uncovered a substantial and well-preserved Iron Age settlement, raising significant questions about the impact of development on this historically rich area. The excavation revealed close to 3,000 fragments of bone, nearly 1,000 pottery shards, eight storage pits up to 1.6 meters deep, and three rock-cut ditches measuring as wide as 21 meters. Notably, the site also contains both human and animal burial grounds, including a rare joint burial of a dog and a cow.
Labour Councillor Lesley Mansell emphasized the importance of the find: “These discoveries are extraordinary. The scale of the pits, human remains, and animal deposits show that Haydon has a much richer and more complex history than anyone had imagined. We must protect this heritage for our community and future generations rather than rush development that could destroy it.”
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The Silverwood Partnership, the developers behind the project, had proposed a mix of three, four, and five-bedroom homes, with 30% designated as affordable housing. Their proposal, submitted last summer, aims to address the local housing shortage and build a sustainable community.
In a statement, Silverwood Partnership said, “The site is ready for development, in a suitable location, and will contribute to easing the district’s housing land shortage.”
However, local councillors are calling for a pause on all planning decisions involving Bath and North East Somerset Council until a full archaeological report by South West Archaeology Ltd (SWARCH) is completed and independently reviewed. SWARCH is assessing the site’s significance to determine if it qualifies as a regional or national heritage site. They are also considering whether the development should be redesigned to preserve the burial grounds and if construction should be paused pending further analysis.
Cllr Simon De Beer added, “This is truly a once-in-a-generation discovery. The exceptional quality and preservation of the site demand that we proceed with the utmost caution. Any decisions must respect this site’s archaeological value and the public’s interest in safeguarding our shared history.”
A comprehensive archaeological report is anticipated in the coming months, which will guide the future of the proposed housing development.