A watching brief was held during the digging of three trial trenches by Galliford Homes. The first trench was situated at the junction of the Gosbecks and Maldon Roads. It was 1m wide and approximately 2m long and was machine dug to a depth of 3m revealing a possible ditch feature to a depth of 0.8m. A second trench was situated further to the west and was of the same dimensions. No archaeological features were observed. The final trench was situated at the junction of Gosbecks Road and Oliver's Lane. This was 1m by 2m and approximately 2.3m deep. No archaeological features were observed.<1>