PROPOSALS for a 35 home development in Kirby Stephen have taken a step forward after an archaeological investigation found nothing of significance.

The survey is one of the pre-conditions for an application on a 3.8 acre parcel of land off Christian Head, with Bloody Bones Lane, to the south of the site (application no: 17/0073).

Other conditions include items like "a water management plan".

Eden District Council has confirmed acceptance of the evidence provided by the archaeological survey, undertaken by Solstice Heritage LLP on behalf of Mandale Homes.

According to the evaluation: "The potential for remains associated with medieval and post-medieval cultivation were previously identified through a geophysical survey which was undertaken across the area in September.

"A generally thick deposit of clay silt subsoil was present immediately beneath the topsoil.

"A series of furrows were observed within several trenches, which were generally aligned east to west.

"These furrows are most likely to relate to medieval or post-medieval cultivation of the land.

"The possible parallel aligned field boundaries—identified through geophysical survey, which trench six was located to investigate, were not observed.

"They were not present in the subsoil, and the natural substrate was heavily affected by animal burrows.

"It is considered that the results of the programme of evaluation trenching are sufficient to inform a planning decision in respect of the archaeological potential of the site."

A previous heritage report on the area said there was the potential to find remains from a number of eras.

It added: "The environment record revealed a variety of sites within the area immediately around it, including the route of a possible Roman road passing through the south-east side of Kirkby Stephen, an area of lynchets (earth terraces) of unknown but possibly prehistoric date."

It also stated that the name Bloody Bones Lane to the south of the site "is uncertain but of potential interest".

The homes application was submitted in January 2017.

According to the design and access statement: "The development will provide a mix of housing types which will meet an identified need for two and three bedroom dwellings.

"The site is largely screened from the public highway by mature trees on the field boundaries.

"Stobars Hall is a Grade II listed building and stands elevated above the proposed site at a distance of 180m."

For information go to: plansearch.eden.gov.uk

Application number for the survey is: 20/0914

Application number for the development is: 17/0073