Marine Aggregate Area 500 Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

Summary of work completed

MarineSpace was commissioned by Lafarge Tarmac Marine and Hanson Aggregates Marine Ltd to undertake an archaeological desk based
assessment to support a licence application for marine aggregate extraction in Areas 500/1‐6 to the West of the Isle of Wight.

The work comprised production of an archaeological baseline characterisation, including an assessment of the known and potential
maritime, aviation and prehistoric archaeological resources within the Areas.

To inform the work a variety of primary and secondary data and documentary sources were consulted including data records from the National Record of the Historic Environment, the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, and the Isle of Wight Historic Environment Record. Geophysical and geotechnical survey data from the application areas was also assessed to provide an interpretation of the known and potential archaeological resources that may be affected by the proposed dredging activity.

An assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed dredging activity on the known and potential heritage resources within the areas was provided, alongside recommendations for mitigation and monitoring based on existing industry specific heritage guidance, protocols and best practice procedures.

The Archaeology Desk Based Assessment report and associated Environmental Statement have been submitted to the regulator, the Marine Management Organisation and further comments are awaited. Following consultation and the satisfactory completion of any further work it is hoped that a Marine Licence for Areas 500/1‐6 will be awarded.