Complex archaeological strategy supporting a major new residential neighbourhood
The project
Orion Heritage has provided long-term archaeological and heritage support for Court Lodge, Kingsnorth – a major residential development to the south of Ashford, Kent, promoted by Hallam Land.
The scheme occupies a highly sensitive archaeological landscape with significant potential for prehistoric and Roman remains. Most notably, the site is crossed by a Roman road connected to the nearby scheduled Roman settlement at Westhawk Farm, creating a series of complex archaeological, planning and design challenges that evolved over many years.
Our approach
From the outset, Orion Heritage worked closely with the client team, Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council to develop a robust and proportionate archaeological strategy capable of supporting the progression of a large-scale housing scheme within this sensitive historic environment.
A key aspect of the project involved helping shape the design of the development itself to maximise the preservation of the Roman road wherever possible. This required detailed archaeological understanding alongside close collaboration with the wider masterplanning and design team.
As the planning process progressed, archaeology became a central issue within the wider appeal process, including disputes surrounding the timing and scope of archaeological evaluation works. Orion Heritage undertook extensive consultation and negotiation with stakeholders to agree archaeological mitigation strategies and investigation scopes under significant programme pressure.
The result
Working to extremely tight deadlines in advance of the public inquiry, Orion Heritage successfully negotiated an agreed position with Kent County Council relating to archaeological mitigation and the long-term preservation of substantial sections of the Roman road. Securing this agreement proved critical in narrowing areas of dispute ahead of the inquiry itself.
The subsequent appeal decision upheld the scheme and granted planning permission for the development.
The project demonstrates Orion Heritage’s ability to manage complex archaeological issues within major strategic developments, balancing the protection of significant heritage assets with the delivery of large-scale housing growth.
Key outcomes
- Long-term archaeological strategy for a major residential development scheme
- Heritage advice relating to significant prehistoric and Roman archaeological remains
- Design input supporting preservation of a Roman road within the masterplan
- Extensive negotiation with Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council
- Archaeological mitigation strategy agreed ahead of public inquiry
- Appeal upheld and planning permission granted for the scheme
“Orion Heritage provided clear, pragmatic and highly strategic advice throughout an exceptionally complex process. Their ability to navigate sensitive archaeological issues while maintaining momentum on a major housing scheme was invaluable.” – Hallam Land
