Comment

Representation ID: 172

Received: 21/12/2023

Respondent: Dr Kevin James

It is clear that the AHHLVs and APAs may not include some important archaeological sites, and I feel that this (and the HLC Study's recommendation) should be reflected in the Dudley Local Plan, particularly in regard to paragraph 1d of Policy DLP62. A local example illustrates this deficiency. With regard to the area around Burys Hill and Buckbury, south of Stourbridge (grid ref. SO 895 815), sections B.8.17 and B.8.18 of Oxford Archaeology's HLC Study omit the following evidence: a) The track (now a footpath) running from the south end of Ounty John Lane to the south end of County Lane appears to represent an important ancient route-way. There is good evidence for its use (perhaps as part of the salt-way network) during the Anglo-Saxon period.1 The same track probably also served to connect Wychbury’s Iron Age hill fort to those at Kinver and Drakelow, as well as to Ismere, the likely moot site of the British province of Husmerae. An early incarnation of the track may even have serviced the prehistoric settlement(s) noted in APA39. b) The discovery of heat-shattered stones and associated pits and Bronze Age artefacts, together with D-shaped crop marks, underlies the designation of APA39 in the south-east section of AHHLV29. However, further heat-shattered stones, possibly related to so-called ‘burnt mounds’ have been found along, and to the south of, the aforementioned track (section (a) above);2 and crop-marks of a potentially Bronze Age ring-ditch exist to the north of the track.3 These features all lie outside (i.e. to the west) of APA39; and it would not seem unreasonable to suggest that APA39 should be extended to encompass them: i.e. across the entire tract of high ground in the Buckbury / Burys Hill area.

Comment

Representation ID: 821

Received: 30/01/2024

Respondent: Historic England

DLP62. Consider incorporating significance in clause 2) a. Ensure that the assessment considers the level of harm, whether there are any avoidance and mitigation measures that are suitable or any enhancement opportunities etc.