AN ARCHAEOLOGY expert has challenged the findings of a report into Dorchester’s controversial Charles Street development.

Former county archaeologist Laurence Keen is backing a campaign which has attracted thousands of signatures calling for a comprehensive archaeological investigation of the site for phase two of the town centre scheme.

More than 3,000 people have backed the Defend Our Rich Cultural Heritage (DORCH) petition, with campaigners also getting the backing of English Heritage.

Mr Keen has also added weight to the campaign with a letter to West Dorset District Council raising concerns about an assessment of the site carried out by Cotswold Archaeology.

Cotswold Archaeology was commissioned by developers Simons to carry out an updated Cultural Heritage Assessment of the site in July last year, with input from Simons’ own archaeological consultant.

One area of concern for Mr Keen is a line in the report that states that the proposed programme of archaeological mitigation for the site had been ‘refined’ due to commercial considerations.

The report states: “The scope of the mitigation strategy has been refined in order to reduce expenditure and maintain the economic viability of the scheme.”

Mr Keen responded in his letter: “This is a disconcerting statement, since it fails to understand that the archaeological resource is finite and cannot be replaced.”

He added: “If the archaeological mitigation strategy if influenced by commercial considerations, without proper regard for the protection and appropriate recording of archaeological deposits, this is extremely unfortunate.”

Mr Keen also raised issue with the failure to consult important academic publications relevant to the site as well as the lack of use of historic maps and photographic archives.

The Cultural Heritage Assessment states: “The remains of part of the late Neolithic palisaded monument and Roman town are manifestly of archaeological significance, and if they survived intact would be ascribed a high value.”

However, it goes on to add that the disturbance caused by other works and excavations over the years mean that the current value of archaeological remains is assessed as medium.

Mr Keen questions this logic in his letter, stating: “Excavations on the Waitrose site and the Methodist church, Durngate Street, demonstrate that foundations of post-medieval and later buildings do not always destroy significant archaeological deposits.”

Developers Simons has told the Echo it is in ongoing discussion with stakeholders and hopes to find a ‘mutually acceptable way forward’ for the site.

A spokesman for Cotswold Archaeology said the June 2014 report was an update report done in combination with Simon’s archaeological consultant Mike Hutchinson of Mills Whipp.

He added: “Our input into the July 2014 document consisted of updating the built heritage aspects of the assessment.”

For more information on the DORCH campaign visit facebook.com/savedorch

Ode to town’s past

DORCHESTER Town Crier Alistair Chisholm has penned a special cry to support the campaign to defend the county town’s archaeology.

It reads:

Dorchester’s a place as old as the hills, With 5,000 years of archaeological thrills.

Long before the Romans built the town we know so well, This was a place most sacred as our ancient henges tell.

If you’d like to see proof of our prehistoric past, The add your name to this campaign and fight until the last.

For once it’s gone the evidence is lost evermore, And a chapter will be missing from our storybook of yore.

Charles Street may be developed if that is what you seek But first reveal its treasures that lie beneath our feet.

God Save the Queen.