Councillor told to leave meeting as plans for homes in 'ancient bit' of Chatteris are discussed
An archaeological dig will take place before three homes are built on what could be the ‘most important’ historic site in Chatteris.
Councillors discussed an officer recommendation to impose the condition of an archaeological survey as part of the planning approval for plans by T Welland to demolish 25 Victoria Street and replace it with three two storey houses on the site, which is in the town’s conservation area.
It is also on an area that is believed to have once been the site of ancient abbey. The Benedictine Nuns’ Abbey and its cemetery is said to have been in the area between Park Street and South Park Street.
Fenland's planning meeting heard the homes plan was approved by the committee in November when it was agreed officers would have delegated powers to impose appropriate conditions.
However, on Wednesday members were invited to discuss the imposition of the archaeological survey as a condition because the issue had previously been discussed when some members had spoken against the idea.
As the discussion unfolded during the Zoom meeting Chatteris Councillor Ian Benney said he was opposed to the condition after discussing the matter with Mr Welland’s agent in a phone call.
He told members that while the applicant had agreed to carry out a dig to ascertain what archaeological remains might lie within the site, he had done so “reluctantly” and Coun Benney said he believed the condition was “too onerous”.
Coun Benney also feared an archaeological survey could result in a lengthy delay of the houses being built and that it could be costly enough to put into question the viability of the development.
He said: “I don’t want these houses held up.”
Coun Benney also argued that viability was a major factor in the lack of enough homes being built in Fenland.
However, after raising his point Coun Benney found himself being advised to step out of the meeting and not to take part in the vote as it was clear from his admission of talking to the agent that he was “pre-determined” and could find himself falling foul of planning rules by failing to declare an interest.
Councillor Will Sutton said: “I hate to say this but I really think Coun Benney should declare an interest as he is clearly pre-determined.”
Adding: “You could leave yourself open to all kinds of accusations.”
A view agreed by Stephen Turnbull, Fenland’s legal officer for planning.
Kasia Gdaniec of Cambridgeshire County Council’s archaeological office said any exploration survey of the site would involve the digging of a few small trenches and that it would take no more than “a day or two”.
What is found as a result of the exploration would then determine what further work would be needed on the site, which as Lawrence Weetman, of Chatteris Past Present and Future told the committee in supporting the archaeological dig, was adjacent to where a number of skeletons associated with the abbey had previously been found.
He argued an archaeological survey would provide an opportunity to explore an important part of Chatteris’ hidden past.
Mr Weetman, who is also the Town Crier, also pointed out that if human remains were unearthed during construction then the developer could find himself facing legal problems and the site being closed down while archaeological work was carried out.
He said: "If this development goes ahead, it represents a unique opportunity for historic artefacts to be recorded and recovered.
"The possible presence of human remains needs to be investigated prior to work starting, so that the applicant can obtain the necessary permission to exhume remains."
Councillor Mike Cornwell, who recommended approving the archaeological condition, said: “We haven’t got much ancient history in the Fens - this could be the most important bit of Chatteris and to understanding its heritage."
His motion was was unanimously supported and so an archaeological dig will take place before any homes are built.