CgMs Consulting carried out a Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment of the site ahead of proposed residential development in July 2013. (1)

A detailed gradiometer survey was then conducted in September 2013 by CgMs Consulting to identify geophysical anomalies potentially of archaeological interest.

From the geophysical survey report:
"The gradiometer survey has demonstrated the presence of anomalies of probable and possible archaeological interest within the survey area, along with regions of increased magnetic response and several modern services.
A number of spreads of ferrous and increased magnetic response appear to form linear patterns which run parallel with existing field boundaries. Some of these spreads are interspersed with linear anomalies of probable and possible archaeology enhancing the likelihood of these anomalies functioning as former field boundaries. It is possible that some of these former field boundaries correspond with those recorded on historic mapping.
Two pit-like anomalies of probable archaeology and several pit-like anomalies of possible archaeology have been identified across the survey area. A number of trends have also been recorded of which the majority are likely to be land drains; however some may have an archaeological potential." (2)

In September 2013 a trial trenching evaluation was carried out ahead of a proposed residential development.

It revealed 2 perpendicular, intercutting medieval ditches, a further, undated ditch; and an undated cobbled surface.

The report summarised findings as follows:
"Following a geophysical survey of the Site, six (25m x 1.8m) trenches were targetted over anomalies of archaeological potential. At the request of the consultant a seventh trench (3.5m x 2.6m) was targetted over a surface scatter of stone rubble in the north east corner of Field B. Three of the excavated trenches revealed features of archaeological interest. In Trench 2, two intercutting medieval ditches were recorded, perpendicular to each other. An abundant amount of finds was retrieved from the later ditch, consisting of pottery, roof tile, animal bone and various iron objects. Given the amount of domestic refuge it is suggested that there may have been a domestic structure nearby, for which the later ditch formed an enclosing boundary. In Trench 7 the remains of a possible cobbled surface was exposed, comprising chalky limestone fragments. In Trench 3 a undated drainage ditch was recorded, containing chalky limestone fragments in the backfill, along with an undated burnt pit." (3)

<1> CgMs Consulting, 2013, Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment: Land at Ashford Road, Sellindge, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE31148.

<2> CgMs Consulting, 2013, Detailed Gradiometer Survey Report: Land at Ashford Road, Sellindge, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE31150.

<3> CgMs Consulting, 2013, Archaeological Evaluation: Land at Ashford Road, Sellindge, Kent (Unpublished document). SKE31153.