Residents protesting about four new homes off Bradford Street, Braintree say an archaeological appraisal of the area is vital before before the development goes ahead.
The Braintree Area Committee approved the application by Bowergrange Estates, despite objections from residents including those worried about parking problems in the area.
The boundary of the Bradford Street Conservation Area- described by one expert as one of the best groups of historic buildings in the country-actually runs through the site.
The developers will have to carry out a field evaluation to establish the nature of the surviving archaelogical deposits before works starts on the four homes.
This will then be studied by experts who will decide whether further action is necessary.
Essex Archaeological adviser Vanessa Clarke said:"Its important because it lies off the Roman Road and it is important because in part of what was principally, in the 16th century, a very important area for the wool industry.
"In that area you are looking possibly at industrial structure or backyard activity to do with the craft or possibly to do with the Roman period."
Medieval pottery was recorded in the area in the 19th century.
The developers will also have to enter into a legal agreement to provide at least seven parking places for residents in nearby Friars Lane.
Published Thursday, January 23, 2003
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