Penrith New Squares, Penrith, Cumbria: Archaeological Post-Excavation Assessment Report

In 2003, a planning application (planning ref 3/05/0954)was submitted for the redevelopment of land adjacent to Southend Road, Penrith, Cumbria (NGR centred NY 5160 2990). The Penrith New Squares development was to comprise the construction of retail, housing and leisure facilities on land formerly occupied by car parks, playing fields, and the Penrith Town football ground. The scheme was granted
permission, with a number of conditions, including the undertaking of an appropriate programme of archaeological works. Accordingly, Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was duly commissioned to undertake these specialist works to meet the requirements of Cumbria County Council's Historic Environment Service (CCCHES). Early stages of the archaeological programme comprised the completion of a desk-based assessment, and a trial-trench evaluation. These investigations demonstrated the presence of medieval and post-medieval archaeological remains within the development area and, accordingly, CCCHES issued a brief, in accordance with the planning guidance at the time, PPG16, now superseded by PPS5, for a programme of mitigation that would allow these remains to be preserved by record.