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Search the Public Notice PortalExcavation work to instal proposed bicycle racks in a Taunton churchyard could uncover burial remains and part of the town’s Medieval defences, according to a report, writes Phil Hill.
Following discussions with conservation and planning experts, Taunton Minster has submitted a revised planning application for six bike hoops.
A previous application outlined proposals to site the hoops near the main entrance gate.
But the plans have been revised after a Somerset Council official advised they would “create a cluttered appearance”.
Minster officials now hope to instal the bike stands near the entrance from Canon Street Car Park.
A report from a church archaeologist says: “Whilst the churchyard is a significant heritage asset, it is possible to instal bike stands sensitively and to manage the impact on the archaeology of the site.”
The stands would be fixed to concrete below ground level and the surrounding area strengthened with reinforced mesh to allow grass to grow nearby in the churchyard, which is part of a conservation area.
A document accompanying the planning application says: “Although the required excavation works are likely to be shallow, previous excavations within the churchyard have recorded the presence of disturbed burials and intact burial vaults just below the surface.
“Therefore, any excavation work within the churchyard is likely to uncover disarticulated human bone from many centuries of intercutting burial activity.
“If human bone is exposed during the works, then this will have to be collected and treated with due reverence by a suitably qualified archaeologist.
“Any remains recovered from the excavations will either have to be reburied within the working area or securely stored within the church until they can be reburied in a suitable location within the churchyard.”
Any excess soil would have to be spread across the churchyard as it is consecrated and cannot leave the site without express permission.
The document adds: “There is also the possibility that the works may also uncover evidence of the Medieval town defences due to the location on the north east boundary of the church, where it is recorded that a bank and break of slope represent the line of the defences.
“If this bank is still visible within the churchyard, then, if possible, the base for the bicycle racks should be placed to avoid any unnecessary disturbance to this significant archaeological feature.”
