A single trial-trench, measuring 10m long by 1.80m wide (excavated in three parts to avoid modern services), was excavated by Colchester Archaeological Trust across the footprint of the new buildings (CBC Planning application 151334). The only archaeological feature was a modern pit/posthole (F1) containing concrete in the base of the cut, and is of no archaeological significance. Two layers were identified: modern topsoil, 600mm thick (L1), which sealed natural mottled sand (L2). <1>