Groundworks for a new extension, measuring 5.9m by 4.7m, were monitored by Colchester Archaeological Trust (CBC planning application 151097). The entire extension site was stripped by mechanical excavator (under CAT supervision) and then excavated by hand. <1> The far southwest corner of the site was stripped through modern topsoil (L1, 100-170mm thick), which sealed modern subsoil (L2, 170-220mm thick), which in turn sealed natural sand at a depth of 350mm below ground level. The rest of the site was stripped through modern topsoil (L1, 170-250mm thick). This sealed several layers that appeared to raise the ground level of the garden to the same height as the southwest corner (L3, 100-300mm thick; L4, 90-140mm thick; L5, 400mm thick). Layer 3 was of modern date. Neither L4 nor L5 could be dated but were thought during excavation to be landscaping/ terracing features associated with the construction of the housing estate. Both L4 and L5 sealed natural sand at a depth of between 700-900mm below modern ground level. A modern posthole (F1) and undated pit (F2) were identified in the western half of the site. An area of modern disturbance (F5) probably associated with a service trench was also identified in the southeast corner. A possible north-south linear feature (F4) cut through L5 in the eastern half of the site. A single fragment of Roman tile was recorded from it. However, if L4/L5 were associated with modern terracing/landscaping then F4 must also be of a modern date and probably associated with this activity.