A single trial trench, 25m long x 1.80m wide, was excavated by Colchester Archaeological Trust in March 2016 in advance of the development of the site (CBC planning application 151825). The trench was excavated through made ground to a depth of 1m, with a small sondage at the western end to a depth of 1.4m (the base of the trench did not penetrate the base of the modern made ground). Two trenches (T1-T2), measuring 4m by 4m, were subsequently excavated at each end of the evaluation trench. Both trenches were excavated to a depth of 2m bcgl before being stepped in. The stepped trenches measured 2m by 2m, and were excavated down for a further 1-1.4m. Trench T1 (south end) was excavated to a total depth of 3.40m bcgl. Natural was not identified at this depth but the mechanical excavator could not reach any further and the bottom of the trench began to flood, so excavations ceased. Trench T2 (north end) was excavated to a depth of 3m bcgl, natural was identified at a depth of 2.88m bcgl. Seven layers were identified within the trenches. Modern tarmac with a concrete sub-base (L1) and associated hoggin (L2) sealed four layers of modern made ground (L3, L4, L5 and L6a). Beneath this was a possible layer of Roman accumulation (L6b). Natural (L7) was identified in T2 only.<1>