Tyn Y Pant, Abercraf, Powys

Home , A4221 road, Abercraf, Caehopkin, Mynydd y Drum

Archaeology Wales

Tyn y Pant, Abercraf, Powys

Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

By Philip Poucher

Report No. 1397

Archaeology Wales Limited, Rhos Helyg, Cwm Belan, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6QF Tel: +44 (0) 1686 440371

E-mail: [email protected] Archaeology Wales

Tyn y Pant, Abercraf, Powys

Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

Prepared For: Solar Power Parks Ltd

Edited by: Mark Houliston Authorised by: Mark Houliston Signed: Signed: Signed: Position: MD Position: MD Date: 12/10/15 Date: 12/10/15

By Philip Poucher

Report No: 1397

October 2015

Archaeology Wales Limited Rhos Helyg, Cwm Belan, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6QF Telephone: 01686 440371 E-mail: [email protected]

CONTENTS

Non-Technical Summary 1

1. Introduction 2 2. Site Description 2 3. Methodology 3 4. Archaeological and Historical Background 5 4.1 Previous Archaeological Studies 5 4.2 The Historic Landscape 5 4.3 Scheduled Ancient Monuments 5 4.4 Listed Buildings 6 4.5 Known Archaeological Remains and Historical Development 6 5. Map Regression 10 6. Aerial Photographs 13 7. Site Visit 14 8. Impact Assessment 15 8.1 Assessment of archaeological potential and importance 15 8.2 Previous impacts 15 8.3 Potential impacts from proposed development 16 8.4 Mitigation 18 9. Conclusions 20 9.1 Visual Impacts 20 9.2 Physical impacts 20 9.3 Mitigation 21 10. Sources 22

Appendix I: Gazetteer of sites recorded on the regional HER Appendix II: Designated Archaeological Sites Appendix III: Specification Appendix IV: DRMB Methodology summary Appendix V: Archive Cover Sheet

List of Figures 1 Site location 2 Proposed development boundary 3 Designated archaeological sites and historic landscapes 4 Non-designated archaeological sites recorded on the regional HER & NMR 5 Extract from the 1814 OS map and 1844 tithe map 6 Extract from the Ordnance Survey map of 1878 7 Conveyance plan, undated

8 Extract from the Ordnance Survey map of 1919 9 Property conveyance plan of 1927 10 Features within/adjacent to site mentioned in report

List of Photos 1 Aerial photograph of 1945 2 - 9 306⁰ panorama from prominent point within the proposed development 10 – 12 Typical views from within the proposed development 13 – 14 Traditional field boundaries 15 Original farm track 16 Tyn-y-Pant farmstead 17 – 19 Typical views from within the proposed development south of the main road 20 Modern culvert within the proposed development boundary 21 The A4221 that divides the site 22 The former Neath & Brecon Railway (PRN 125363) that defines the southern boundary 23 View from Cribarth Hill SAM (BR237) 24 View from Lefel Fawr Colliery SAM (BR201) and Pont y Yard and Yard House Listed Buildings (LB 7468 & 17922) 25 Yard House Listed Buildings (LB 17922) 26 View from Hen-neuadd Listed Building (LB 6605) 27 Hen-neuadd Listed Building (LB 6605)

Archaeology Wales Ltd. retain copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, and have granted a licence to Asbri Planning and Solar Power Parks Ltd, to use and reproduce the material contained within.

The Ordnance Survey has granted Archaeology Wales Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100055111) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains otherwise with the Ordnance Survey.

Non – Technical Summary

In September 2015, Archaeology Wales was commissioned by Asbri Planning, acting on behalf of their clients Solar Power Parks Ltd, to carry out an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and site visit to determine the archaeological potential of land near Tyn-y-Pant Farm, Abercraf, Powys. The assessment has been undertaken in advance of the submission of a planning application for a solar farm.

The proposed development will have no impact on registered Historic Landscapes, Conservation Areas or listed Historic Parks & Gardens. The site lies within the Landmap historic landscape area of Dyffryn Tawe (BRCKNHL735). However, the development will have a minor direct and indirect (visual) impact on this landscape; local topographical features and vegetation would obscure the proposed development from many viewpoints within the extensive historic landscape and it is anticipated that traditional boundaries and some degree of traditional agricultural use will be maintained. The significance of this effect is considered to be Slight.

A number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments have been identified within a 5km search area around the proposed development, however none of these sites or their settings will be directly affected by the proposed development. Two sites will be indirectly (visually) affected by the development, namely Cribarth Quarries (BR237) and Bryn Llechwen ring cairn (BR327). BR327 will have only limited, distant views and, therefore, the indirect impact is considered to be negligible; the significance of this effect is considered to be Slight. BR237 has more extensive views, but this is still considered to be a minor impact; the significance of this effect is considered to be Moderate/Slight.

A number of Listed Buildings have also been identified within a 5km search area, however none of these sites or their settings will be either directly or indirectly affected by the proposed development.

The proposed development site lies within a wider landscape of some archaeological potential related to Bronze Age archaeological sites, post-medieval agricultural activity and later post- medieval coal mining activity. No Bronze Age archaeological site is recorded within a 1km search area around the proposed development, although there is still considered to be some potential along the raised ground in the northern part of the site. No later post-medieval coal mining activity could be identified within the bounds of the proposed development and post- medieval agricultural activity appears to be confined to the traditional field boundaries visible throughout the site. There is considered to be a moderate potential direct impact on these field boundaries, the significance of effect of which is considered to be Slight. The only other identified feature is a modern culvert on the southern boundary, for which the development is considered to have a negligible direct impact, which results in a Neutral / Slight significance of effect.

The principal recommendation is for an archaeological watching brief to be maintained during groundworks associated with the proposed development.

1 Introduction

1.1 In September 2015 Archaeology Wales (AW) was commissioned by Asbri Planning, on behalf of their clients Solar Power Parks Ltd, to carry out an archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of a proposed solar farm project on land near Tyn y Pant Farm, Abercraf, Powys (NGR SN 83002 12279, Figures 1 & 2, AW Project Number 2380).

1.2 This assessment has been prepared prior to the submission of a planning application. A Specification for the Desk-Based Assessment was produced by AW in September 2015 and approved by Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust – Development Control (CPAT-DC), who act as archaeological advisors to the local planning authority, in this case Powys County Council (PCC) (see Appendix III).

1.3 The purpose of the Desk-Based Assessment, which is detailed in the following report, is to provide PCC with the information they are likely to request in respect of the proposed development, the requirements for which are set out in Planning Policy WALES, March 2002, Section 6.5, and Welsh Office Circular 60/96. The work is to highlight and assess the impact upon standing and buried remains of potential archaeological interest and to ensure that they are fully investigated and recorded if they are disturbed or revealed as a result of subsequent activities associated with the development.

1.4 The proposed development comprises plans for the construction of a solar power farm (photovoltaic panels) covering a site area of approximately 6 hectares (c.14.8 acres). Associated infrastructure is likely to include access tracks, cable trenching, a substation and ancillary buildings, a surrounding security fence and temporary site compound (Figure 2).

1.5 Detailed plans for the proposed development have not yet been finalised, but it is anticipated that typical panel designs will be laid out in east – west rows, pinned to the ground and reaching a height of approximately 3m. These panels will be connected by cables set in narrow trenches with a series of invertor houses distributed throughout and a single substation building set on concrete foundations. A track will likely be cut to give access to different areas of the site. These sites are typically surrounded by c.2m high security fencing and CCTV cameras mounted on posts. The temporary site compound will also likely be constructed for the duration of the construction works.

1.6 The area of proposed development has been adjusted during the course of the production of this report, to reduce potential impacts, and as a result the initial proposed development outline as illustrated within the Specification has subsequently been altered. However, these changes have been considered, assessed and presented in the following report, with the final boundaries illustrated in the accompanying figures.

2 Site Description

2.1 The proposed site will occupy an area of enclosed farmland around Tyn y Pant farm, which lies c.800m to the southeast of Abercraf in southern Powys, centred on SN 83002 12279 (Figures 1 & 2).

2.2 The site comprises three fields of improved grazing along a small east – west aligned ridge to the northeast of Tyn y Pant farmstead, as well as three fields of marshy land

on either side of the A4221 to the east and south of the farmstead. The fields are bounded by a mix of stone wall embankments and mature hedgerows, with some modern post and wire fencing. To the north lie further field enclosures and stands of mature woodland on ground that slopes down into the base of the Tawe Valley. Abercraf occupies the northern banks of the river beyond. To the east, the site is bounded by further enclosed pasture along the valley, beyond which lies the wooded slopes of the Nant Llech valley. To the south, the site is bounded by the line of a former mineral railway, now a tarmacked path, with land rising rapidly up Mynydd y Drum. To the west, lies a mix of field enclosures and urban development including Tyn y Pant farmstead and Brookland Terrace, with the village of Caehopkin beyond.

2.3 Topographically this area is largely an upland one, cut by the Tawe valley, which runs southwards, before curving around to run WSW to the north of the site and then following a broadly south-westerly course towards Swansea and the coast. At this point the valley begins to open out slightly as it is fed by minor tributaries, one of the largest of which is the Nant Llech to the east of the site. The main roads and settlements are clustered along the base of the valley, with the A4067 running up the Tawe valley, and the A4221 running up the Llech valley before branching off to cross the uplands. Abercraf, Caehopkin and Ynyswen lie alongside these roads in the valley base, with a larger concentration of settlement running down the Tawe valley from Ystradgynlais (3.5km to the southwest) southwards. Farmland occupies much of the lower valley slopes beyond these settlements, with the uplands consisting largely of unenclosed or semi-enclosed grazing, plantation woodland and industrial sites.

2.4 The underlying geology consists of sandstones, mudstones and siltstones of the South Wales Lower Coal Measures Formation. As the land rises to the south this becomes the South Wales Middle Coal Measures Formation, and the rising land to the north is formed by a ridge of sandstone which then becomes mudstone of the Bishopstone Mudstone Formation as the ground drops away towards the river. The bedrock is largely overlain by diamicton, presumed to be Devensian till, with small pockets of peat deposits formed along a stream that runs through the area (BGS 2015).

3 Methodology

3.1 The methodology for this assessment follows that set out in the approved Specification (Appendix III).

3.2 The primary objective is to assess the impact of the development proposals on the historic environment. This will help inform future decision making, design solutions and potential mitigation strategies. The aim is to make full and effective use of existing information in establishing the archaeological significance of the site, to elucidate the presence or absence of archaeological material, its character, distribution, extent, condition and relative significance.

3.3 The work includes a comprehensive assessment of regional context within which the archaeological evidence rests and aims to highlight any relevant research issues within national and regional research frameworks.

3.4 This report provides information of sufficient detail to allow informed planning decisions to be made which can safeguard the archaeological resource. Preservation in situ has

been advocated where at all possible, but where engineering or other factors result in loss of archaeological deposits, preservation by record has been recommended.

3.5 This assessment considers the following:

a) The nature, extent and degree of survival of archaeological sites, structures, deposits and landscapes within the study area through assessment of various readily available primary sources:

 Collation and assessment of all relevant information held in the regional HER at CPAT within a 1km radius of the development site;

 Collation and assessment of all Designated archaeological sites within a 5km radius of the development site;

 Assessment of all available excavation report and archives including unpublished and unprocessed material affecting the site and its setting.

 Assessment of aerial photographic (AP) evidence;

 Assessment of archive records held at the County Archive, the National Library of Wales (NLW) and the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales (RCAHMW);

 Records held by the developer e.g. bore-hole logs, geological/geomorphological information, aerial photographs, maps, plans, ztv data;

 Map regression analysis using all relevant cartographic sources e.g. all editions of the Ordnance Survey County Series, Tithe and early estate maps (as available);

 Place-name evidence;

 Internet sourced satellite imagery;

 Historic documents (e.g. charters, registers, estate papers).

b) The significance of any remains in their context both regionally and nationally and in light of the findings of the desk based study.

c) The history of the site.

d) The potential visual impact of any proposed development on the setting of known sites of archaeological importance.

e) The potential for further work, with recommendations where appropriate for a suitable investigative and/or mitigation methodology.

3.6 In assessing the significance of effects on designated archaeological sites the guidance laid out in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges has been used (DMRB 2007). For a summary of the methodology used see Appendix IV.

3.7 This work conforms to the Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, as produced by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2014).

4 Archaeological and Historical Background

4.1 Previous archaeological studies

4.1.1 The site of the proposed development has not been subject to any previous known archaeological investigations.

4.1.2 No other archaeological work is recorded within the search area.

4.2 The Historic Landscape (Figure 3)

4.2.1 The proposed development area does not lie within any registered Historic Landscapes, nor do any lie within the 5km search area around the site. Similarly, no Conservation Areas lie within the 5km search area.

4.2.2 The area lies in the Landmap Historic Landscape area of Dyffryn Tawe (BRCKNHL735). This is described as a landscape of small irregular fields and scattered farmsteads and cottages of post-medieval and probably earlier origins, concentrated along the base and lower valley slopes of the Tawe valley. The northern part of the area forms part of the visual setting for Craig y Nos park and garden (see below). Within the Landmap criteria this area is valued as High, due to the distinctive systems of mixed regular and irregular fields within the valley, numerous farm, house and industrial remains and scattered prehistoric remains, all of which form an eclectic but significant combination.

4.2.3 Craig y Nos Castle and Country Park, a Grade II* listed historic park & garden (PO16) lies approximately 3km to the northeast of the proposed development site. This comprises a Victorian house, theatre and gardens set within a secluded upland valley, associated with the famous opera singer Madame Adelina Patti.

4.2.4 The Brecon Beacons National Park boundary lies c.150m to the north of the proposed development site.

4.3 Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Figure 3, Appendix II)

4.3.1 There are thirteen Scheduled Ancient Monuments within a 5km search area around the proposed development, no SAM lies either within the proposed development area or within 1km of the area.

4.3.2 The closest of the SAM sites is BR237, the Cribarth post-medieval limestone quarries and tramroads that cover an extensive area on the hillside c.1.2km to the north of the proposed development area. A relatively large number of Scheduled post-medieval industrial sites lie within the 5km search area, including a tramroad at Ystradgynlais (GM399), the Fan House at Ynysgedwyn Colliery (BR198) and the Lefel Fawr coal adit (BR201), and the blast furnaces at Banwen (GM420) and Abercrave Ironworks site (BR222).

4.3.3 There are also significant Roman remains in the area including Coelbren Fort (GM146), a marching camp to the southeast of the fort (GM343) and a section of Roman road to the northeast of the fort (BR074).

4.3.4 The remaining SAM sites are all prehistoric, and include the Craig-y-Rhiwarth hillfort (BR246), a ring cairn on Bryn Llechwen (BR327), the Saith Maen stone alignment (BR072) and a hut circle to the west of the stone alignment (BR256).

4.4 Listed Buildings (Figure 4)

4.4.1 There are 27 Listed Buildings within the 5km search area around the proposed development. These include one Grade I listed building which is the Victorian theatre at Craig-y-nos (LB 7492), and two Grade II* listed buildings, which includes Craig-y- nos castle itself (LB 7491) and an early 19th century circular cow-house at Gwaunclawdd (LB 6610), the only circular cow house still existing in Wales. The remaining structures are all Grade II listed. No Listed Building lies within the proposed development area or within 1km of the proposed development.

4.4.2 The closest of the Listed Buildings lie 1.3km to the west further down the Tawe Valley and on the southern edge of Abercraf. These comprises the Grade II Listed Yard House (LB 17922) and nearby Pont-y-Yard (LB 7468), and Hen Noyadd (LB 6605).

4.4.3 Yard House was the manager’s house and office for the Lefel Fawr colliery (SAM BR201), built in c.1824. No other early 19th century colliery office or manager’s house is known to exist in Wales. The nearby Pont y Yard, or Yard Bridge, was built at around the same time, as a single-span stone-built tramway bridge connecting the Lefel Fawr colliery to the canal to the west. Originally intended to carry the canal to the colliery, this proved impractical and it carried a tramway instead.

4.4.4 Hen Noyadd is a house of early 15th century origin, although it was largely rebuilt in the 17th century and altered in the 19th century. Medieval elements remains in the basement, and in restored windows. When under ownership by Morgan Morgan, the agent of the British Iron & Coal Company, dairies and outbuildings were added. The property has been carefully restored in the mid-1980s.

4.5 Known Archaeological Remains and Historical Development (Figure 4 & 10, Appendix I)

4.5.1 There are 26 sites listed on the HER within 1km of the proposed solar farm. None of these sites lie within the bounds of the proposed development area, although the line of the Ty’n y Pant section of the Neath and Brecon Railway (PRN 125363) forms the southern boundary to the site. The full catalogue provided by Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust is included in the rear of this report.

There are also five sites are listed on the National Monuments Record (NMR) maintained by the Royal Commission of Ancient and Historical Monuments Wales (RCAHMW) within the 1km search area. These include three sites not listed on the HER, which include a medieval battle site (NPRN 404446), the feeder weir for the late-

18th century Swansea canal (NPRN 34377) and the late-19th century Carmel Chapel (NPRN 12298).

No records of artefacts or coins discovered within the site area or its immediate environs are listed within the Portable Antiquities Scheme database (www.finds.org.uk).

The HER and NMR sites are briefly described below, according to period, where they are incorporated into a summary of the historical development of the area.

4.5.2 Palaeolithic (c.450,000 – 10,000 BC), Mesolithic (c.10,000 – 4400 BC) & Neolithic (4400 BC – 2300 BC)

There is currently no recorded evidence of Palaeolithic activity either within the 1km search area, or indeed the wider landscape. The closest recorded site comes from a cave above Craig y Nos, c.3.5km to the northeast (Grithig Cave, PRN1519), which contained animal bone but no evidence of human activity.

Similarly, evidence of Mesolithic activity is very scarce in the surrounding landscape. No Mesolithic finds are recorded within the 1km search area, although one worked chert implement of Mesolithic date has been recovered from a garden within Abercraf, c.1.5km to the northwest.

Neolithic activity is also absent from the recorded archaeological remains in this area. During the Neolithic period there was a gradual move away from a nomadic hunter- gathering economy, with agriculture and settled communities becoming established. There is also an advent of larger ritual and funerary monuments that can be dated to this period. The closest recorded Neolithic sites to the proposed development consist of a series of henge monuments in the hills around Ystradfellte, nearly 10km to the east.

4.5.3 Bronze Age (2300 BC – 700 BC)

There are no recorded finds or features of Bronze Age date within the 1km search area. However, within the wider landscape around Abercraf the upland areas are relatively rich in Bronze Age archaeological remains. These sites consist of funerary and ritual monuments, largely round barrows or cairns, as can be seen in the Scheduled sites BR072 and BR327. These sites are remnants of former burials largely designed for small groups or individuals, often, but by no means exclusively, situated in prominent locations within the landscape, and also possibly used a markers within the landscape. Settlement is indicated by some hut circles and cave occupation sites recorded in the wider landscape, such as the Cwm-fforch wen (PRN 34907) and Gwyn Fawr (PRN 34922) hut circles 5km to the northwest and the Carreg Lwyd (PRN 4357) and Saith Maen (PRN 1507/BR256) hut circles 4km to the northeast, both of which are in upland locations. A series of features (P{RN 12495) excavated ahead of mining activity in Mynydd y Drum, c.1.5km to the south, may also represent settlement activity, although the precise form and date of the features cannot be established with certainty.

4.5.4 Iron Age (700 BC – 43 AD) & Roman (AD 43 – c. AD 410)

By the Iron Age, typically evidence of settlement activity generally starts to increase, although this does not appear to be the case in this area. No Iron Age archaeology is recorded in the 1km search area, and even in the wider landscape recorded Iron Age sites are limited to a couple of distant hillforts and defended enclosures. One such site is the Scheduled remains of a hillfort at Criag-y-Rhiwarth (BR246).

Similarly, there is limited evidence of activity in the immediate area during the Roman period. The closest recorded site is that of Coelbren Fort, which lies 3km to the southeast, now protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (GM146). This would appear to be a fort established during the Flavian campaigns of the late 80s AD, with finds indicating it was abandoned by the mid-2nd century AD. A large marching camp also lies in close proximity (SAM site GM343), although the relationship between the two is uncertain. It is also unclear if any settlement was established around the fort during its lifetime, although an annex has been recorded on the eastern side that may contain structures. Roads were built from the fort leading south towards Neath and northeast to Brecon, evidence of which can still be traced today (SAM site BR074). There is little evidence to suggest the surrounding area was heavily ’Romanized’ subsequent to the invasion and occupation suggested by the presence of the fort. Roman-British pottery recovered from cave occupation close to Craig-y-Nos is the only recorded evidence of occupation in the area during the Roman period.

4.5.5 Early Medieval (c. AD 410 – AD 1086) & Medieval (1086 – 1536)

The early centuries after the end of Roman administration in Wales are thinly documented. During this period the early kingdoms of Wales were emerging, and the continuation of the Christian church became a prominent feature of early-medieval Wales. There are no recorded early-medieval site within the 1km search area. However, several inscribed stones associated with religious activity have been found in the wider landscape. At Ystradgynlais, 4.5km to the southwest, some 5th to 6th century inscribed stones have been discovered at St Cynog’s church, and a stone of a similar age was found at Clwydi Banwen 4.5km to the south east. However, the remote nature of this area may be indicated by the presence of a cave hermitage near Craig y Nos some 3.5km to the northeast, which is likely to have been chosen for the remote character of its surroundings.

During the medieval period, the area may have begun to develop as a largely rural one. Four medieval sites are recorded on the HER within the 1km search area, all of which are centred on St David’s church in Abercraf. These include the church itself (PRNs 15847 & 20115), the churchyard (PRN 15848) and some finds (PRN 72154). However, there is no detail for the medieval provenance of the church, the current structure of which is early 20th century in date, and the finds consist of possible medieval tiles, although this has since been questioned and the finds may in fact be post-medieval in date. This suggests there is little definitive evidence of settlement in the area during the medieval period, with the exception of Hen Noyadd, a Grade II

listed building (LB 6605) 1.3km to the west in Abercraf. This building has 15th century elements surviving in its basement, with medieval windows also recorded during restoration work.

The NMR records the site of a battle (NPRN 404446), fought in 1096, at Aber-llech. The mouth of Nant Llech lies c.400m to the northeast of the proposed development area and, therefore, the battle is considered to have taken place somewhere in the general vicinity. A force of Anglo-Normans soldiers returning from the kingdom of Brycheiniog were attacked and slain by a Welsh force led by Gruffydd and Ifor, sons of Idnerth ap Cadwgan. The battle forms a part of the general turbulent struggles that characterised the early Anglo-Norman invasions of Wales.

4.5.6 Post-Medieval (1536 – 1899) & Modern (1900 – present day)

Throughout much of the post-medieval period up until the late 18th century, the area is likely to have been a largely agricultural one, with enclosed lower valley slopes and open uplands and a settlement pattern of dispersed farmsteads. Some of the houses in the area may include late 17th or early 18th century elements, such as Heol y Gwyddan House (PRN 21086), Pen Twyn Helen House (PRN 19023) and Cefn yr Erw House (PRN 21087), but during that period it is likely settlement was widely dispersed through the area, with currently no indication of nucleated settlement at Abercraf. Although a small hamlet is shown at Caehopkin by the early 19th century. It is likely that the agricultural layout of the proposed development area was well established by the time it is first depicted on 19th century map sources. There is currently no indication as to the establishment of Tyn y pant farm itself, though it was in existence by the early 19th century. Mill sites in the area (PRNs 125361 & 125378) are likely date to this period, as they clearly reflect the agricultural dominance of the landscape at this time.

Much of the visible landscape today is dominated by remains of industrial activity. By the late 18th century coal was first being mined in the area, and limestone on Cribarth Hill on the north side of the Tawe valley was also being quarried (SAM site BR237), largely for use as agricultural fertilizer, but increasingly also in the many of the industrial sites being established in Swansea and up the valleys. Accessing the coal and limestone in this relatively remote region was something of an issue, which lead to the establishment of the Swansea Canal as far as the western edge of Abercraf in 1798, opening for traffic in 1800. Around the turn of the century, a local industrialist, Daniel Harpur (Harper), established the Lefel-fawr Colliery in Abercraf (SAM site BR201). He attempted to connect this colliery to the canal via Pont-y-yard (Listed Building 7468), one of the earliest stone bridge on the Tawe, but this proved impractical and instead a horse-drawn tramway was used to connect the industrial sites to the canal. Harpur also built Abercrave House (PRN 20437) as his base. In 1824 Harpur branched out into iron manufacture and built an iron works close to the canal terminus, the Abercrave Ironworks (SAM site BR222). To fuel the ironworks he used anthracite coal from the Lefel Fawr colliery which he owned, and used limestone as a flux, quarried from Cribarth Hill where he also had extensive interests. This industrial activity drew settlement into the area and Abercraf as a nucleated settlement (PRN 15945) was likely first established during this period, possibly amalgamating former small hamlets in the area.

Industrial activity continued somewhat sporadically throughout the middle of the 19th century. The ironworks closed down in 1829, only to re-open in 1855 following advancements made in the use of anthracite coal and blast furnaces. Although it was subsequently to close for good in 1861. In 1873, the railway arrived (PRN 125363), adding a further spur to expansion and industrial activity in the area; the line of the railway defines the southern edge of the proposed development area. Towards the end of the 19th century, a productive coal seam was discovered on Mynydd-y-drum to the south, which lead to the establishment of a succession of collieries that were to operate in the area right through to the present day. These collieries included the Gwaun-y-clawdd, International (PRN 127095 & PRNs 127088-94), Abercrave and Nicky Nack collieries. Other collieries are shown on late 19th century map sources lying immediately to the south of the proposed development area, including the Glynllech colliery (PRN 125362). The Abercrave Colliery Company, who ran the Abercrave and Gwaun-y-clawdd collieries, built many of the houses within Caehopkin to house their workers as settlements expanded throughout the area.

Gwaun-y-clawdd colliery closed in the mid-1930s, the International Colliery closed in the early 1950s and Abercrave finally followed suit in 1967. Mining has continued in this area however with the substantial Nant Helen opencast mine now dominating the hillside.

5 Map Regression (Figures 5 – 9)

5.1 Ordnance Survey Drawing (Aberdare 1814 (Figure 5) & Llandovery 1813

5.1.1 The original surveyor’s drawings of the early 19th century, record the settlement pattern, road networks and many of the main topographical features in the area, but lacks precise accurate detail. The proposed development area lies on the edge of two maps, dating to 1813/14. These maps depict an agricultural landscape of enclosed land on the northern slopes from Mynydd Drym [sic], down towards the river. The area is largely populated by dispersed farmsteads, although there is a concentration of farmsteads, dwellings and some small hamlets along the main road that ran along the valley. This road follows the line of the main road through the centre of Abercraf, before crossing the river at Lon Bridge and heading south into Caehopkin, which at this point is shown as the hamlet of Ty Mawr. The road then it turns east to follow the line of Heol y Gywdde. ‘Ty’nypant’ farmstead is marked on these early maps, lying within an area of enclosed farmland, and accessed via a trackway running from the main road to the north. This is presumably the trackway that can still be seen running just outside the western edge of the proposed development area.

5.1.2 Abercraf coal works are marked in operation on the southern edge of what is now Caehopkin to the west. No specific features of archaeological interest are noted within the proposed development area.

5.2 Ystradgynlais Parish Tithe Map of 1844 (Figure 5)

5.2.1 The tithe map of 1844 appears to accurately depict the layout of field boundaries, settlement sites and river and road routes. The proposed development area lies on the

tithe map, as it does now, on land farmed from Ty’n y pant farm. The land was owned by Howell Gwyn Esq., and occupied and farmed by Thomas Griffiths.

5.2.2 Ty’n y pant farmstead appear to sit at the meeting of two distinct areas of enclosure. To the north, occupying the small ridge on the southern bank of the Tawe and Nant Llech, a series of smaller irregular fields run down towards the banks of the Tawe. To the south, on land rising onto Mynydd y Drum, large field enclosures predominate with unenclosed land across the uplands. The tithe apportionments give little clue as to the state of cultivation of the fields, or any other information about the fields. None are named, the only description belong to the field in the northeast corner of the proposed development area, which is described as ‘Meadow’. Given the layout of the fields the smaller fields to the north are likely to have been for a mixture of arable and pasture, with the larger fields to the south probably in use as rough grazing.

5.2.3 The northern fields have changed little from their depiction on the tithe map, with only one internal field boundary lost in the northwest corner of the site. Enclosures to the south however do appear to have altered with subsequent transport routes cut through the area, although the main north – south orientated boundaries appear to have largely been retained.

5.2.4 No specific features of archaeological interest are noted within the proposed development area.

5.3 Ordnance Survey 1;2500 Map of 1878 (Figure 6)

5.3.1 The 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1878 provides a little more detail on the landscape encompassed by the proposed development area. The field layout appears largely unaltered from that depicted on the previous tithe map. The farmstead sites alongside an east – west orientated stream (Nant Ellen) with the main access to the farm along the trackway to the north, as depicted on the original surveyors drawings of the early 19th century. Several footpaths also spread out from the farmstead to connect it to various places in the surrounding landscape, including extensive quarries on Mynydd y Drum and Abercraf Colliery to the west, as well as to several surrounding farmsteads.

5.3.2 The main visible change for the farm appears to be the construction of the Neath & Brecon railway, which cuts across the field belonging to the farm to the south of the farmstead, and now forms the southern boundary of the proposed development area. Access to its lands to the south of the railway is provided by a tunnel or bridge under the railway just beyond the southwest corner of the proposed development area.

5.3.3 The intense industrialisation of the surrounding landscape can clearly be seen on this map. Extensive quarry sites line the upland areas to the south, although these are only a fraction of the size of the quarries that line Cribarth Hill to the north. Abercraf colliery lies a short distance to the west and numerous further smaller quarry sites and coal levels can be seen dotted throughout the landscape. Settlement in Abercraf is also expanding, largely as sporadic ribbon development between the former ironworks near the Rheola Arms and the river crossing at Pont Abercraf.

5.3.4 No specific features of archaeological interest are noted within the bounds of the proposed development area.

5.4 Conveyance Plan 1;2500 undated (Figure 7)

5.4.1 As part of a series of conveyance plans, two exists that include land to the south and east of Tyn-y-Pant farm, both relating to proposals for mining activity at the southern end of the farm holding, on the slopes of Mynydd y Drum, and therefore both are presumed to be of a similar date as they record the same features. These maps are undated, but would appear to lie between the 1st edition OS map of 1878, which depicts no mining activity to the south, and the 2nd edition OS map of 1905, where mining activity is depicted, and indeed would appear to be an annotated version of the 1st edition OS map.

5.4.2 The proposed coal mine opening is located on land beyond the southern boundary of the proposed development site, and may even relate to the coal mining remains recorded on the HER as PRN 23707 or 125362. The layout of land within the proposed development area is as depicted on the previous Ordnance Survey map.

5.5 Ordnance Survey 1;2500 Map of 1905

5.5.1 The 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map depicts a very similar landscape, and the fields within the proposed development area remain largely unchanged. Ty’n-y-pant farmstead has expanded with the addition of a building at the northern end of the farmstead complex, which would appear to be the current farmhouse.

5.5.2 The gradual spread of coal mining activity is visible. Abercraf Colliery to the west continues to expand, with the International Anthracite Company established immediately to the west. The relatively short-lived Glynllech colliery to the south of the railway is marked, connected to the main line by a tramway a short distance to the south of the proposed development area. The associated spread of settlement can also be seen, with further terraced properties established alongside the main road to the north of the Tawe and terraced housing, including Sunday School, built in what is now known as Caehopkin.

5.5.3 No features of specific archaeological interest are noted within the proposed development area.

5.6 Ordnance Survey 1;2500 Map of 1919 (Figure 8)

5.6.1 The 3rd edition Ordnance Survey map of 1919 shows no change in the layout of agricultural land within the proposed development area.

5.6.2 The increasing population has seen further growth in Caehopkin and the construction of Brookland Terrace, connected via an open-sided track to Caehopkin to the west, and via a footpath behind the cottage to Abercraf Colliery. A small drift mine has also been sunk just to the south of the railway line beyond the southern boundary of the proposed development area, connected via a tramway to the main Abercraf Colliery.

5.7 Ordnance Survey 1;10560 Map of 1921

5.7.1 No change

5.8 Property conveyance plan 1927 (Figure 9)

5.8.1 The conveyance of Tyn-y-pant farm to Thomas James Davies of Abercrâf, JP, colliery proprietor, in 1927, came with a plan of the farm. For the first time the road that cuts through the property, and now forms the A4221, is marked. The field layouts to the north of this road are as they can be seen today, with some woodland shown immediately to the southeast of the farmstead, presumably on boggy ground at the confluence of two streams. The farmstead itself is shown in much of its current configuration. A footpath runs off to the northeast, a line still followed by a rutted farm track. Woodland is also shown occupying the field immediately to the northeast of the proposed development area.

5.8.2 The field layout to the south of the road is also as can be seen today. A trackway along the western edge of Tyn-y-Pant land defines the western edge of the proposed development area. This track appears to have run underneath the railway line (now run by Great Western Railway) to give access to rough grazing to the south. Abandoned coal mining activity, along with the Glynllech Colliery, are also marked on the higher ground to the south.

5.8.3 No features of archaeological importance are noted within the proposed development area.

5.9 Ordnance Survey 1;10560 Map of 1953

5.9.1 No change.

5.10 Ordnance Survey 1;2,500 Plan of 1962

5.10.1 No change.

6 Aerial Photographs (Photo 1)

6.1 Aerial photographic evidence of the area held by the Aerial Photographic Unit in Cardiff and the RCAHMW in Aberystwyth have been examined, including photographs from 1945 to the present day.

6.2 The earliest aerial photographs are relatively high level vertical shots taken by the Royal Air Force, in 1945 (Photo 1). This would appear to demonstrate that the field to the north of the stream, that cuts though the area, is under mixed agricultural use, with plough lines clearly visible. The lower lying ground around the stream appears to be possible pasture, with no obvious indications of further agricultural work within the field. The main road that now divides the site had been established by this time. No specific features of archaeological interest are noted within the proposed development

area. The impact of extensive industrial activity on the upper slopes of Mynydd y Drum, to the south of the railway line, are also clearly visible.

6.3 Ordnance Survey aerial photographs of 1969 are less distinct but appear to show a very similar picture, with no features of specific archaeological interest noted within the bounds of the proposed development area.

6.4 A series of oblique aerial photographs exist from 2001 within the RCAHMW records. These photos are largely concentrated on surrounding sites, such as the Cribarth quarries to the north, and show nothing of archaeological interest within the proposed development area.

6.5 Modern internet sourced satellite imagery from 2006 onwards all show a similar picture of improved pasture within the fields on the rising ground to the north of the farmstead, and rough wetter ground on the fields bordering the line of the A4221. The fields are all enclosed by hedgerows, but no features of archaeological interest are visible.

7 Site Visit (Photos 2 – 21, Figure 10)

7.1 A site visit was undertaken on the 30th September 2015. Conditions were bright and sunny with good visibility. The site comprised six fields on either side of the A4221. The four northernmost fields, all lying to the north of the line of Nant Ellen, consist of improved pasture and occupy the southern side of a ridge that reaches its maximum height close to the northern end of the site, with land then falling away to the north. These fields are bounded by stone walls in varying states of repair, though they are generally derelict and topped with mature hedgerow trees and modern post and wire fencing. In places, the post and wire fencing has either replaced the traditional field boundaries or the stone walling is no longer visible.

7.2 To the south of Nant Ellen, the fields are boggy ground, reed covered and possibly used as occasional rough grazing. The field between Nant Ellen and the A4221 is on relatively low-lying ground. The ground then begins to rise to the south of the A4221, and is largely bounded by mature trees.

7.3 At the southern edge of the site a stream is channelled through a culvert at SN 8300 1204. The culvert is built of dressed and mortared limestone, and carries the stream underneath the line of the former Neath & Brecon railway to the south, although it would appear to be of 20th century construction (Photo 20). No other features of potential archaeological interest were noted within the bounds of the proposed development area.

7.4 Site visits were also made to some of the surrounding designated archaeological sites, a selection of these area included in Photos 22 – 27.

8 Impact Assessment

8.1 Assessment of Archaeological Potential and Importance

8.1.1 Research indicates the general area has a high archaeological potential in regard to distinct site types from three periods: Bronze Age activity, post-medieval agricultural activity and late post-medieval and modern mining activity.

8.1.2 Bronze Age remains proliferate within the upland area within the wider landscape, however no Bronze Age site is recorded within the 1km search around the site, which occupies a lower lying position closer to the valley floor; no above-ground features have been identified through the research or as a result of the site visit. The prominent ridge that runs roughly east – west, to the north of Tyn-y-pant farmstead, is, however, considered to have some limited potential for Bronze Age remains; if they exist, these have a potential to be of Regional importance.

8.1.3 Post-medieval agricultural activity appears to be confined to the traditional boundaries that enclose the land, which have shown little alteration since the mid-19th century. The main farmstead complex, and other associated activity, lies outside the limits of the proposed development area. Therefore, there is considered to be a low potential for post-medieval agricultural archaeological remains beyond the extant field boundaries. Should any further remains exist then they are likely to be of Local importance.

8.1.4 Late post-medieval mining activity is relatively well-documented throughout this area and is largely recorded on 19th and 20th century map sources. It is also generally discernible on the ground. There is, however, no recorded or visible evidence of coal mining activity within the bounds of the proposed development area and, therefore, the potential for late post-medieval mining activity is considered to be Negligible.

8.1.5 The only new site identified within the bounds of the proposed development area relates to a 20th century stone-built culvert on the southern boundary of the area. This is considered to be a feature of Local importance.

8.2 Previous Impacts

8.2.1 Research would indicate that the site has been in use as agricultural land since at least the early 19th century and possibly throughout much of the post-medieval period. Aerial photographic evidence suggests that the fields to the north of Nant Ellen have been subject to ploughing and may have been in mixed agricultural use for much of its history.

8.2.2 Major transport routes cross through and bound the proposed development area, specifically the A4221 road and the former Neath & Brecon railway to the south. Both developments may have affected a wider corridor than is suggested by their current boundaries.

8.3 Potential Impacts of the Proposed Development

8.3.1 The proposed development consists of the installation of ground mounted solar Photovoltaic arrays across the development area. These arrays are typically pinned to the ground. Individually they have a limited impact on sub-surface deposits due to the small land-take of the pins. However, cumulatively they may be considered to have a larger impact. Associated infrastructure such as the establishment of access tracks, foundation excavations for transformer stations and substations, cable trenching, piling for the surrounding security fence and the establishment of the temporary site compound all have the potential to disturb sub-surface deposits and, therefore, to expose, damage or destroy potential archaeological remains.

Historic Landscapes (Figure 3)

8.3.2 No registered Historic Landscape, Conservation Area or Historic Park & Garden will be directly or indirectly (visually) affected by the proposed development. Only one Historic Park & Garden was identified within the 5km search area, that of Craig-y-Nos Castle and Country Park (PO16). This lies at its closest 3km further up the Tawe valley, beyond a point where the valley turns northwards and passes out of site of the proposed development.

8.3.3 The site lies within the Landmap historic landscape area of Dyffryn Tawe (BRCKNHL735). This is described as a landscape of small irregular fields and scattered post-medieval farmsteads and cottages along the lower valley slopes with residual areas of ancient woodland. The area is crossed by some tramroads from neighbouring industrial sites. It is valued as ‘High’ in the Landmap characterisation due to its distinctive systems of mixed regular and irregular fields, numerous farms, houses and industrial remains and scattered prehistoric remains, which is considered an eclectic but significant combination. Within the scale of values used in the DMRB assessment criteria this area would be considered to be of Medium value. This landscape largely occupies lower valley slopes and the valley base to the north and east of the proposed development area. Views in these directions and any visual impact are limited by mature tree and hedgerow cover (see Photos 2 - 4 & 8 - 11) as well as the general topography. Detailed development plans are not currently available, however it is assumed that current field boundaries will largely be maintained during the lifetime of the proposed development. Grazing will also still be possible during the operational life of the site. Therefore, the direct and indirect (visual) impact of the proposed development on the landscape is considered to be Minor.

Table 1: Historic Landscapes

Ref. No. Name Source Value Magnitude Significance of of Impact effect (BRCKNH Dyffryn Tawe Landmap Medium Minor Slight L735)

Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Figure 3)

8.3.4 No Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) will be directly affected by the proposed development.

8.3.5 No Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) has been produced for this site. However, it is clear that only a limited number of SAMs will have any visual relationship with the proposed development. The extensive Scheduled area of limestone quarrying activity, on Cribarth hill over 1.2km to the north (BR237), has extensive views across the landscape to the south, which includes the proposed development area (Photos 2 & 23). It is likely however that only those panels positioned on the highest ground in the northernmost fields will potentially be visible from the Scheduled area but they are currently shield by hedgerows and woodland. Fields to the east of the farmstead, and south of the main road, hidden by the rising ground to the north. It is noteworthy that views from Cribarth Hill take in an extensive area, with a multitude of different elements from nucleated settlement, enclosed farmland, unenclosed upland, industrial sites, extensive woodland and wind farm developments. The proposed development will at worst form a relatively minor intrusion into this view, and will not affect views of Cribarth Hill. Therefore the indirect (visual) impact on BR237 is considered to be Negligible.

8.3.6 Located on a prominent hilltop over 2.2km to the southwest is the Scheduled site of Bryn Llechwen Bronze Age cairn (BR327). The prominent situation of this cairn affords it extensive views throughout much of the surrounding countryside. It is, however, difficult to identify on the skyline from the proposed development site itself (Photo 16). Only the elements on the south-facing slopes will potential be visible from this site, and at such a distance, particular with the extensive opencast workings in the foreground, the visual impact of the proposed development will be very limited. The proposed development will also not affect any views of the cairn itself. Therefore the indirect (visual) impact on BR327) is considered to be Negligible.

8.3.7 No other SAM site will be indirectly affected by the proposed development. Both Lefel Fawr Colliery (BR201) and Abercrave Ironworks (BR222) lie close to the base of the valley, with views up the valley towards the site obscured by topography, housing and vegetation (Photo 24). High ground rising to Mynydd y Drum to the south of the site hides Fan House (BR198), the Tramroad (GM399) and the Roman sites at Coelbren (GM074, GM146 & GM343), as well as Banwen blast furnaces (GM420) from view. Similarly Cribarth Hill to the north hides the prehistoric sites of BR072, BR246 & BR256 from view.

Table 2: Scheduled Ancient Monuments

SAM ref. Name Grid Reference Value Magnitude Significance of No. of Impact effect BR237 Cribarth Limestone SN 828 141 High Negligible Slight Quarries and Tramroads BR327 Bryn Llechwen ring SN 815 103 High Negligible Slight cairn

Listed Buildings (Figure 3)

8.3.8 No listed buildings will be directly affected by the proposed development.

8.3.9 No listed buildings will be indirectly (visually) affected by the proposed development. These listed buildings invariably occupy positions close to the base of the valleys, often in built up areas with limited views, and no site or their settings will be visually impacted upon by the proposed development. The view from the nearest Listed Buildings of Pont y Yard (LB 7468) and Yard House (LB 17922) towards the site is illustrated in Photo 24, and from Hen Neuadd (LB 6605) in Photo 26.

Undesignated Assets (Figure 10)

8.3.10 Traditional field boundaries have been identified within the proposed development area, consisting of dry-stone walling in varying states of dereliction, surmounted by mature hedgerow trees and often topped, and sometimes replaced by, modern post and wire fencing. These boundaries are of Local importance, being typical to the area. As stated, detailed development proposals are not yet available. However, it is anticipated that the boundaries will largely remain, although field entrances may be enlarged and / or improved to allow access for construction vehicles through the site and the line of excavated cable trenching may cut through some boundaries. Boundaries may also be supplemented with further vegetation to help screen the development, and may potentially be affected by the security fence that will be erected around the site. These developments are considered to have a potential Moderate direct and indirect (visual) impact on the field boundaries.

8.3.11 A mortared stone-built stream culvert lies on the southern boundary of the proposed development area, carrying the line of a stream under the former Neath & Brecon Railway (PRN 125363), although the culvert would appear to be 20th century in date and is considered to be of Local importance. Despite lying on the bounds of the proposed development area, its location within mature trees and on the line of the stream means it is unlikely to be directly impacted upon by the proposed development. The site is also largely hidden in the vegetation and tree cover. Therefore the proposed development is also considered to have only a Negligible indirect (visual) impact on the site.

Table 3: Undesignated Assets

Site Grid Reference Value Magnitude Significance of of Impact effect Field Boundaries SN 830 123 Low Moderate Slight Culvert SN 8300 1205 Low Negligible Neutral/Slight

8.4 Mitigation

8.4.1 Typically for sites of this extent a geophysical survey would be considered appropriate initial mitigation to ascertain the presence or absence of below-ground archaeological remains. However, the area available for effective geophysical survey is very limited within this proposed development area. Vegetation and ground conditions on low-lying ground around Nant Ellen (see Photo 17) and on ground to the south of the A4221

(see Photos 18 & 19) would preclude effective surveying. Areas of greatest archaeological potential have been removed from the initial development proposals, with much of the remaining area to the northeast occupying sloping ground of limited archaeological potential. Therefore, it is suggested that any further archaeological potential and potential impact on traditional field boundaries may be mitigated through the implementation of an archaeological watching brief during ground works associated with the proposed development.

9 Conclusions

9.1 Visual Impacts

9.1.1 No Registered Historic Landscapes, Conservation Areas or Listed Historic Parks & Gardens will be directly or indirectly (visually) affected by the proposed development. The site lies within the Landmap Historic Landscape area of Dyffryn Tawe (BRCKNHL735). The development will have Minor direct and indirect (visual) impact on this landscape. Local topography and surrounding vegetation will obscure the majority of the proposed development from viewpoints within the lower valley slopes and the valley base that forms the bulk of this landscape area, and the development as a whole will occupy only a small percentage of the entire landscape area. It is anticipated that traditional boundaries will be maintained and traditional agricultural practices will still be possible. The overall significance of this effect is considered to be Slight.

9.1.2 No Scheduled Ancient Monuments will be directly affected by the proposed development. Two Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Cribarth Limestone Quarries (BR237) and Bryn Llechwen ring cairn (BR327) have distant views of the site, although both are considered to be very limited. The indirect (visual) impact on these sites are considered to be Negligible, which results in an overall significance of effect of Slight.

9.1.3 No listed buildings will be directly or indirectly (visually) affected by the proposed development.

9.2 Physical Impacts

9.2.1 The desk-based research suggests the site lies within a wider landscape that generally has a high archaeological potential relating to Bronze Age activity, post-medieval agricultural remains and later post-medieval coal mining activity. However, no Bronze Age archaeology is recorded within 1km of the proposed development, although some potential does remain, focused on the ridge of higher ground to the north of Tyn-y- Pant farmstead. Research has identified no later post-medieval mining remains within the bounds of the proposed development and, therefore, this potential was considered to be negligible.

9.2.2 The post-medieval agricultural remains appear to be largely confined to the traditional field boundaries visible throughout the site. Detailed development proposals are currently unknown, although it is anticipated these boundaries will be maintained, but may be directly affected through the widening of entrances, excavating cable trenches, screening planting and the establishment of the surrounding security fencing. This is considered, potentially, be a Moderate impact, which results in a Slight significance of effect.

9.2.3 The only other identified feature within the bounds of the proposed development was a 20th century culvert that carried a stream under the line of the former Neath & Brecon Railway (PRN 125053). The proposed development is, however, considered to have a Negligible direct impact on this feature, due largely to its location, which results in a Neutral / Slight significance of effect.

9.3 Mitigation

9.3.1 The principal recommendation is for an archaeological watching brief to be maintained during ground works associated with the proposed development in order to mitigate the impact on potential archaeological remains and traditional field boundaries within the development area.

9.3.2 The potential for geophysical survey of the site was considered. Such surveys are useful tools to ascertain the presence or absence of below-ground archaeological remains. However, due to unsuitable ground conditions and vegetation, and the removal of areas of greatest archaeological potential from the development proposals, the area available for effective surveying would be limited and as a result the survey was not considered an effective method of mitigation on this site.

10 Sources

Published Cadw, CCW & ICOMOS UK 1998 Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales Hughes, S 1990 The Archaeology of an Early Railway System: The Brecon Forest Tramroads. Aberystwyth: RCAHMW Jones, SR & Smith, JT 1972 ‘The Homes of Breconshire, Pt VII Ystradgynlais’ Brycheiniog 16 Jones, NW 2007 ‘Prehistoric funerary and ritual monuments in Breconshire’, Brycheiniog 39 Jones, T 1930 A History of the County of Brecknock, vol. 4 Glanusk Lewis, S 1833 A Topographical Dictionary of Wales London

RCAHMW 1986 Inventory, Brecknock, The Prehistoric and Roman Remains, Part 2: Hillforts and Roman Remains.

RCAHMW 1997 Inventory, Brecknock I, Part I, Prehistoric Burial and Ritual Monuments and Settlement to A.D.1000

Unpublished DMRB 2007 Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume II Environmental Assessment, Section 3 Environmental Topics Silvester, RJ & Dorling, PJ 1993 Historic Settlements in the Brecon Beacons National Park CPAT Report No.44

Maps Anon 1844 Ystradgynlais Parish Tithe Map & Apportionments Anon n.d Conveyance – ‘Land near Tyn y Pant showing proposed opening’ West Glamorgan Archives D/D/Gw E 112 Anon n.d Conveyance – ‘Land to the south and east of Tyn y Pant’ West Glamorgan Archives D/D/Gw E 149 Anon n.d Conveyance Plan– ‘To Thomas James Davies of Abercraf’ West Glamorgan Archives D/D SB 4/755 British Geological Survey 2015 Geology of Britain Viewer - (accessed 28/9/15) Bowen, E 1729 Map of South Wales Budgen, T 1813 Ordnance Survey Original Surveyors’ Drawings, Llandovery Budgen, T 1814 Ordnance Survey Original Surveyors’ Drawings, Aberdare Ordnance Survey 1878 1st edition 1:2500 map Ordnance Survey 1905 2nd edition 1:2500 map Ordnance Survey 1918 3rd edition 1:2500 map Ordnance Survey 1921 1:10,560 map

Ordnance Survey 1953 1:10,560 map Ordnance Survey 1962 1;2500 plan Rees, W 1932 South Wales and the Borders in the 14th century

Aerial Photographs Royal Air Force Vertical Aerial Photographs 1947 Ordnance Survey Vertical Aerial Photographs 1969 Bluesky, Infoterra Ltd & COWI A/S 2006 Satellite imagery Getmapping plc 2010 Satellite imagery Google Earth 2015 Satellite imagery RCAHMW 2001 Film No. 2001-cs, Frame No.264, 1195-98 RCAHMW 2001 Film No. 2001/3517, Frame No. 09 RCAHMW 2001 Film No. 2001/5002, Frame No.50-52 RCAHMW 2001 Film No. 2001/5035, Frame No. 59-62

23 Figure 1: Location map. Site outlined in red. 1;25000 @ A4

The Ordnance Survey has granted Archaeology Wales Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100055111) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains otherwise with the Ordnance Survey 0 200 400 600 800 1000 m This Plan includes the following Licensed Data: OS MasterMap Colour PDF Location Plan by the Ordnance Survey National Geographic Database and 0m 25m 50m 75m 100m 125m 150m 175m 200m incorporating surveyed revision available at the date of production. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the prior permission of Ordnance Survey. The representation of a road, track or path is no evidence of Scale: 1:2500, paper size: A4 a right of way. The representation of features, as lines is no evidence of a property boundary. © Crown copyright and database rights, 2015. Ordnance Survey 0100031673

Figure 2: Proposed development boundary

Prepared by: Steffan Harries, 28-08-2015 Proposed development site 1.5km search area 5km search area

Landmap area

Scheduled Ancient Monument Listed Building Registered Historic Garden Registered Historic Park Essential setting

Figure 3: Designated archaeological sites within a 5km radius. 1;50000 @ A4

Additional NMR sites, labelled by NPRN

Figure 4: Sites recorded on the regional Historic Environment Record (HER), with additional sites recorded on the National Monuments Record (NMR). 1;12000 @ A4

The Ordnance Survey has granted Archaeology Wales Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100055111) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains otherwise with the Ordnance Survey 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 km Figure 5: Extracts from the Ordnance Survey original surveyors drawing of 1814 (top) and the Ystradgynlais Parish tithe map of 1844 (bottom). The approximate location of the proposed development site is indicated in red. Figure 6: Extract from the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1878. Proposed development area marked in red. Figure 7: Extract from the undated conveyance plan, late 19th/early 20th century. Proposed development area marked in green. Figure 8: Extract from the 3rd edition Ordnance Survey map of 1919. Proposed development area marked in red. Figure 9: Extract from the property conveyance plan of 1927. The location of the proposed development site is indicated in green. Traditional Field Boundaries - Stone walling Large stone (Photo 14)

Original farm track Traditional Field Boundary lines - Post & wire / hedges (walling no longer visible)

Traditional Field Boundaries - Stone walling

Historic farmstead core

Former railway PRN 125363 Former railway Culvert PRN 125363

This Plan includes the following Licensed Data: OS MasterMap Colour PDF Location Plan by the Ordnance Survey National Geographic Database and 0m 25m 50m 75m 100m 125m 150m 175m 200m incorporating surveyed revision available at the date of production. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the prior permission of Ordnance Survey. The representation of a road, track or path is no evidence of Scale: 1:2500, paper size: A4 a right of way. The representation of features, as lines is no evidence of a property boundary. © Crown copyright and database rights, 2015. Ordnance Survey 0100031673

Figure 10: Features mentioned in the text within/adjacent to the proposed development.

Prepared by: Steffan Harries, 28-08-2015

Photo 1: Aerial photograph of the site taken by the RAF in 1945.

Photo 2: View north, start of a 360⁰ panorama from the most prominent part of the proposed development area at SN 8287 1235. The limestone quarries of Cribarth Hill, a SAM site (BR237) are visible in the background. St David’s church is visible between the trees to the right. N.b. This viewpoint was subsequently removed from the proposed development boundaries, but the photos (2 – 9) have remained as a general illustration of the site area.

Photo 3: As above, looking NE

Photo 4: As above, looking east

Photo 5: As above, looking SE.

Photo 6: As above, looking south. Tyn-y-pant farm is visible in the middle, with Brookland Terrace behind. The mining remains on Mynydd y Drum are visible in the background

Photo 7: As above, looing SW.

Photo 8: As above, looking west.

Photo 9: As above, looking NW.

Photo 10: View ENE showing the distant views towards Bryn Bugeiliaid.

Photo 11: View east from within the proposed development area showing the agricultural land extending eastwards

Photo 12: View eastward from within the proposed development area to the northeast of the farmstead, show the ground beginning to slope down to the south towards Nant Ellen.

Photo 13: A typical traditional field boundary surrounding the proposed development area, consisting of a tumbled stone wall, topped with trees.

Photo 14: A large stone along the northern boundary of the site, forming part of a derelict former stone field boundary, replaced by post and wire fencing in the trees behind.

Photo 15: Looking south down the original farm track to Tyn-y-pant.

Photo 16: Tyn y pant farmstead, looking SW. Mynydd y Drum lies in the background, with cairn BR327 lying on the summit.

Photo 17: Looking west over the boggy field along Nant Ellen, along the northern side of the A4221.

Photo 18: Looking NW across the boggy field on the south side of the A4221

Photo 19: Looking NE across the rough ground forming the southwestern field within the proposed development area

Photo 20: Looking south at a culvert built of mortared dressed stone that carries a stream under the line of the former Neath & Brecon railway. The feature is located at SN 8300 1204 on the southern edge of the development area.

Photo 21: Looking east along the A4221 that splits the site in two.

Photo 22: Looking west along the line of the former Neath & Brecon Railway (PRN 125363) as it runs past the southern edge of the site.

Photo 23: View SSE from within the Scheduled area of Cribarth Hill quarries (BR237) at SN 8253 1372, looking out over the countryside with the proposed development area in the middle distance (in red).

Photo 24: View towards the site from close to Lefel Fawr colliery (BR201) and Pont y Yard (LB 7468) & Yard House (LB 17922).

Photo 25: Yard House.

Photo 26: View towards the site from the nearest Listed Building, Hen-neuadd farmhouse (LB 6605), show the lack of intervisibility.

Photo 27: Hen-neuadd farmhouse

Archaeology

Wales

APPENDIX I: HER Gazetteer file:///N:/Enquiries/E5913/E5913 CPAT HER core data catalogue.htm

CLWYD-POWYS ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRUST HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT RECORD ENQUIRY REPORT - CORE RECORDS

Enquiry reference number: E5913 Prepared by: Chris Martin, Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust Produced for: Phil Poucher, Archaeology Wales

The following information has been provided under the terms and conditions of access as detailed on the CPAT HER Enquiry form and in the Welsh Archaeological Trusts Access and Charging Policy. Copyright is reserved on all data supplied from the CPAT HER. All output resulting from the use of the data must acknowledge the source as follows:- Copyright CPAT HER partnership, 2015 (and in part Crown, 2015). If you wish to use information derived from material held by the CPAT HER for publication in printed or multimedia form or to compile resources for commercial use, prior permission must be obtained in writing.

Search criteria 1km serach around SN8300212279

PRN 20437 NAME Aber Crave House

NGR SN82721282 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, House. Rank: 1 SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Two-storey, mid-19th century house, T-plan with gabled wing at right-hand side; polychrome brick dressing.

CONDITION Condition: Intact Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1988-12-31 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Jones, S R & Smith, J T 1972 The houses of Breconshire Part VII Brycheiniog 16 Ordnance Survey 1978 OS record card National Monuments Record of Wales 1971 NMR index

ARTEFACTS

C14 DATES

ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT20437&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 15945 NAME Abercraf

NGR SN8312 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Modern, Settlement. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Location 1.1 Abercraf is situated on the A4067, on the southern fringe of the Brecon Beacons and close to the boundary of the National Park. History 2.1 ?The ?name signifies 'the mouth of [the] river Craf', ?though ?no ?such watercourse ?is ?shown on modern maps. Alternatively ''Aber' ?can ?mean ?'a small ?stream' ?which might be more appropriate in this context. Craf ?may have been so named after the wild garlic on its banks.

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2.2 ?Coal ?was ?first mined in the region in the second half ?of ?the ?18th century ?and ?it was in this period that the initial growth ?of ?settlement occurred. 2.3 ?Abercraf lay within the ecclesiastical parish of Ystradgynlais and ?is now in the modern community of the same name. Buildings 3.1 St David's church was constructed in 1911. There is no indication of an earlier foundation on the site. Archaeology and Topography 4.1 ?Abercraf ?lies ?on the northern bank of the ?River ?Tawe. ?Nothing ?of archaeological ?significance ?has been recorded in the area of ?the ?modern settlement. Recommendations 5.1 No recommendations are made for this settlement.

CONDITION Condition: Intact Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1995-02-08 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - - SOURCES Silvester, R J & Dorling, P J 1993 Historic settlements in the Brecon Beacons National Park CPAT report 44

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT15945&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 15847 NAME Abercraf Church

NGR SN83091285 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Medieval, Church. Rank: 1 SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Parish church

CONDITION Condition: Intact Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1988-12-31 00:00:00 STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES part of 15847

SOURCES

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT15847&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 20115 NAME Abercraf Church (St David)

NGR SN83091285 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Medieval, Church. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Parish church

CONDITION Condition: Intact Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1988-12-31 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

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CROSS REFERENCES part of 15847

SOURCES National Monuments Record of Wales 19?? NMR index

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT20115&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 15848 NAME Abercraf Church (St David), yard NGR SN83091285 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Medieval, Churchyard. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION -

CONDITION Condition: Intact Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1988-12-31 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded CROSS REFERENCES part of 15847

SOURCES

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT15848&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 72154 NAME Abercraf Church finds

NGR SN83091288 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf TYPE Medieval, Find. Rank: 1 Post-Medieval, Find. Rank: 2

SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Two objects found whilst digging in the churchyard at a depth of 18 inches. Initially believed to be Medieval tiles, but this is now thought to be doubtful. One is a possible stone roof tile (Medieval/Post Medieval ?) and the other appears to be a smoothed stone that has possibly been utilised in some way (CPAT, 1999).

CONDITION Condition: Damaged Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1999-12-08 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -CPAT324200 SOURCES Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust 1999 Site visit record - PRN72154 Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust 1999 title unknown - Abercraf Church finds

ARTEFACTS 1 Stone Carving Figure carved in relief on a flat face of an irregular ashlar block with a small cross carved on its

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right side Llandrindod Wells Museum 1 Stone Tile 2 possible tiles found in churchyard Private - vicar

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT72154&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 125375 NAME Abercraf, mill race

NGR SN8253912940 COMMUNITY Ystradgynlais TYPE Post-Medieval, Mill race. Rank: 1

SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Mill race noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT125375&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 21087 NAME Cefn Yr Erw House NGR SN83511219 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, House. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION EARLY 18TH CENTURY HOUSE OF TWO-STOREYS, THE UPPER ONE VERY LOW. PORCH MAY BE ORIGINAL.

CONDITION Condition: Intact Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1990-02-13 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -CPAT322251

SOURCES Jones, S R & Smith, J T 1972 The houses of Breconshire Part VII Brycheiniog 16 Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust 1991 Site visit record - PRN21087 Ordnance Survey 1965 OS map Ordnance Survey 1978 OS record card

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT21087&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 23707 NAME Cefn-yr-erw Levels (dis)

NGR SN8318311739 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf TYPE Post-Medieval, Level. Rank: 1

SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Level, captured from 1:25,000 map (OS, 1988) CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1995-12-31 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - - SOURCES Ordnance Survey OS map SN81

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT23707&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 125378 NAME Dyfnant, corn mill

NGR SN8229312812 COMMUNITY Ystradgynlais

TYPE Post-Medieval, Corn mill. Rank: 1 SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Corn mill noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00 STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT125378&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 125362 NAME Glynllech Colliery

NGR SN8325211734 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf TYPE Post-Medieval, Colliery. Rank: 1

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SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Colliery noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - - SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT125362&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 125380 NAME Greenhill, old level NGR SN8241312168 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Level. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Level noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT125380&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 21086 NAME Heol Y Gwyddan House

NGR SN83381237 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, House. Rank: 1

SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION A DERIVATIVE FORM OF LONGHOUSE, PROBABLY LATER 17TH CENTURY WITH A MODERNISED FRONT. THE ATTACHED BYRE HAS BEEN HEIGHTENED AND RE-ROOFED.

CONDITION Condition: Intact Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1990-02-13 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

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CROSS REFERENCES - -CPAT322250

SOURCES Jones, S R & Smith, J T 1972 The houses of Breconshire Part VII Brycheiniog 16 Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust 1991 Site visit record - PRN21086 Ordnance Survey 1965 OS map Ordnance Survey 1978 OS record card

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT21086&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127095 NAME International Anthracite Colliery NGR SN8219312047 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Colliery. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Colliery noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127095&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127093 NAME International Anthracite Colliery, building I

NGR SN8224112100 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Colliery building. Rank: 1

SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Colliery building noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

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ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127093&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127094 NAME International Anthracite Colliery, building II

NGR SN8225412084 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf TYPE Post-Medieval, Colliery building. Rank: 1

SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Colliery building noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00 STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127094&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127092 NAME International Anthracite Colliery, building III

NGR SN8218812077 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf TYPE Post-Medieval, Colliery building. Rank: 1

SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Colliery building noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL

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http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127092&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127090 NAME International Anthracite Colliery, building IV NGR SN8215412063 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Colliery building. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Colliery building noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - - SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127090&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127091 NAME International Anthracite Colliery, building V NGR SN8223012011 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Colliery building. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Colliery building noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127091&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127087 NAME International Anthracite Colliery, building VI NGR SN8210812004 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

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TYPE Post-Medieval, Colliery building. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Colliery building noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - - SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127087&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127089 NAME International Anthracite Colliery, engine house NGR SN8212112061 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Engine house. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Engine house noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127089&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127088 NAME International Anthracite Colliery, reservoir

NGR SN8215111961 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Reservoir. Rank: 1 SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Reservoir noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

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STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - - SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127088&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 127086 NAME Llwyn-llafrod, building NGR SN8204012041 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Building. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Building noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT127086&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 125361 NAME Melin-Llech, mill complex

NGR SN8360612309 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Mill. Rank: 1

SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Mill noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT125361&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 125363 NAME Neath and Brecon Railway, Ty'n y pant section NGR SN8325212053 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, Railway. Rank: 1

SUMMARY - DESCRIPTION Railway noted on early Ordnance Survey mapping during Glastir private woodland project

CONDITION Condition: Unknown Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 2013-10-10 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded CROSS REFERENCES - -

SOURCES Ordnance Survey 1878 OS map, first edition, 25 inch, Brecknock Ordnance Survey 1905 OS map, second edition, 25 inch, Brecknockshire

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT125363&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

PRN 19023 NAME Pen Twyn Helen House

NGR SN82521236 COMMUNITY Tawe-uchaf

TYPE Post-Medieval, House. Rank: 1 SUMMARY -

DESCRIPTION Two-storey house of mid-19th century appearance but probably originally of one-storey and attic and late 17th century.

CONDITION Condition: Intact Description: - Related event: - Date of entry: 1991-12-31 00:00:00

STATUS None recorded

CROSS REFERENCES - -CPAT322127

SOURCES Jones, S R & Smith, J T 1972 The houses of Breconshire Part VII Brycheiniog 16 Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust 1991 Site visit record - PRN19023 Ordnance Survey 1978 OS record card

ARTEFACTS

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ARCHWILIO URL http://www.cofiadurcahcymru.org.uk/arch/query/page.php?watprn=CPAT19023&dbname=cpat&tbname=core

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09.21.15 (12:09) - HTML file produced from CPAT HER, CPAT file number 796. Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, 41 Broad Street, Welshpool, SY21 7RR. tel (01938) 553670, fax (01938) 552179, email [email protected], website http://www.cpat.org.uk" target="_blank">www.cpat.org.uk

Please note that the sites listed above are only the sites of which we are aware at the current time and there may be others that have yet to be discovered. While the Regional Historic Environment Record contains information on all of the following, we do not hold the definitive data for Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens or Registered Historic Landscapes, and it is recommended that you contact Cadw to ensure you have the most up to date data for these monuments - particularly if you require digital polygons showing the full extents of Registered or Scheduled areas. Similarly, there may also be additional sites in the area in the National Monuments Record of Wales, held by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, and again you are advised to contact them directly to obtain such information. If your enquiry relates to a commercial development, and if you haven't already done so, please contact Mr Mark Walters ([email protected]), the Development Control Archaeologist for Clwyd and Powys who will provide further advice regarding best practice in mitigating against damage to any archaeological or historical remains which might exist within the area of the proposed works. Enquirers are also expected to provide a copy (paper or digital) of any document or published report that makes use of information obtained from the HER for incorporation into the record. Enquirers are requested to include the following acknowledgement in any document or published report that makes use of information obtained from the HER: - Information obtained from the Regional Historic Environment Record curated by the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust.

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Wales

APPENDIX II: Designated Archaeological Sites Designated Archaeological Assets within a 5km search area

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

SAM Name Grid Site Type Period Distance No Reference from development BR072 Saith Maen SN832153 Stone Prehistoric 3.01km alignment BR074 Section of Road NE of SN870112 Road Roman 3.26km Coelbren Fort BR198 Ynysgedwyn Colliery, Fan SN801111 Fan House Post- 2.93km House Medieval/Modern BR201 Lefel Fawr Coal Adit SN815124 Coal Adit Post- 1.27km Medieval/Modern BR222 Abercrave Ironworks SN809126 Industrial Post- 1.79km monument Medieval/Modern BR237 Cribarth Limestone SN828141 Quarry Post- 1.23km Quarries and Tramroads Medieval/Modern BR246 Craig-y-Rhiwarth Hillfort SN845157 Hillfort Prehistoric 3.75km BR256 Hut Circle West of Saith SN828151 Unenclosed Prehistoric 2.69km Maen hut circle settlement BR327 Bryn Llechwen ring cairn SN815103 Ring cairn Prehistoric 2.19km GM146 Coelbren Fort SN859107 Fort Roman 2.87km GM343 Roman Marching Camp SN862102 Marching Roman 3.26km South East of Coelbren camp Fort GM399 Tramroad at Ystradgynlais SN812097 Tramroad Post- 1.47km Medieval/Modern GM420 Remains of Blast Furnaces SN867104 Blast Post- 3.93km at Banwen Furnace Medieval/Modern

Listed Buildings

Number Name Grid reference Grade Distance from development 6605 Hen Noyadd SN 81529 12626 II 1.33km 6606 10 Lamb & Flag Cottages SN 80842 12439 II 2.01km 6607 12 Lamb & Flag Cottages SN 80846 12431 II 1.98km 6608 The Pound SN 80820 12448 II 2.01km 6609 Outbuildings opposite Lamb & Flag Cottages SN 80823 12434 II 2.01km 6610 Circular cow-house at Gwaunclawdd SN 81024 12253 II* 1.31km 7468 Pont-y-Yard SN 81529 12486 II 1.82km 7491 Craig-y-nos SN 84042 15363 II* 3.11km 7492 Theatre at Craig-y-nos SN 84017 15427 I 3.18km 7544 Cae'r Lan Castle SN 80243 12084 II 2.61km 17922 Yard House SN 81536 12469 II 1.31km 23032 Sardis Independent Chapel and attached SN 78701 10442 II 4.57km schoolroom 25946 SN 78782 11336 II 4.19km 25947 SN 78781 11343 II 4.19km 25948 SN 78780 11349 II 4.19km 25949 SN 78779 11356 II 4.19km 25950 SN 78778 11362 II 4.19km 25951 Henglyn Isaf SN 78208 12022 II 4.66km 25952 Fan house to former Ynyscedwen Mine SN 80153 11136 II 2.96km 82048 Circular pigsty at Blaendulais Farm SN 81455 08856 II 3.55km 82050 The War Memorial SN 81878 09046 II 3.19km 84379 Fountain in Craig-y-nos courtyard SN 84012 15446 II 3.18km 84380 Front courtyard and boundary wall at Craig-y- SN 84016 15362 II 3.11km nos 84381 Game Larder at Craig-y-nos and attached SN 84000 15451 II 3.18km length of kitchen garden wall 84382 Garden pavilion at Craig-y-nos SN 84191 15274 II 3.10km 84383 Ongur Uchaf (aka Rhongyr Uchaf) including SN 84617 15209 II 3.23km attached barn range and garden walls with gates 84384 Pen-y-Foel Limekilns SN 85415 15326 II 3.79km

Historic Parks & Gardens

Number Name Grid reference Grade Type Reasoning Distance from PO16 Craig-y- SN8423815394 II* Castellated Spectacular and 3km Nos house; romantic setting in a Castle conservatory; secluded upland and terraced garden; valley; remnant high Country parkland with Victorian garden; Park pools; walled arboricultural interest kitchen garden. in garden and park; house of the internationally famous opera singer Madame Adelina Patti; Patti gardens laid out and glasshouses designe

Archaeology

Wales

APPENDIX III: Specification

Specification

For an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment:

Tyn y Pant Farm, Abercraf, Powys

Prepared for: Solar Power Parks Ltd

Project No: 2380

25th September 2015

Archaeology Wales Limited Rhos Helyg, Cwm Belan, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6QF Tel: +44 (0) 1686 440319 Email: [email protected]

ARCHAEOLOGY WALES LTD, RHOS HELYG, CWM BELAN, LLANIDLOES, POWYS SY18 6QF 1

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

This Specification details the proposal for an archaeological desk based assessment and site visit associated with the construction of a c.8 hectare solar PV project at Tyn y Pant Farm, Abercraf, Powys. It has been prepared by Archaeology Wales Ltd for Solar Power Parks Ltd prior to the proposed submission of a planning application.

1. Introduction

The proposed development comprises the construction of a solar power farm (Photovoltaic panels) on land at Tyn y Pant Farm, Abercraf, Powys (henceforth – the site). Information relating to the development has been supplied by Asbri Planning. The work is to be undertaken prior to the proposed submission of a planning application. The local planning authority is Powys County Council (Henceforth – PCC). The proposed development location is centred at NGR SN 83002 12279.

This Specification has been prepared by Philip Poucher, Project Manager at Archaeology Wales Ltd (henceforth - AW) at the request of Asbri Planning, acting on behalf of their clients Solar Power Parks Ltd. It provides information on the methodology that will be employed by AW during an archaeological desk based assessment of the site.

The purpose of the proposed work is to provide PCC with the information they are likely to request in respect of the proposed development, the requirements for which are set out in Planning Policy WALES, July 2014, Section 6.5, and Welsh Office Circular 60/96. The work is to highlight and assess the impact upon standing and buried remains of potential archaeological interest to ensure that they are fully investigated and recorded if they are disturbed or revealed as a result of subsequent activities associated with the development.

All work will conform to the Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk Based Assessment (CIfA 2014) and be undertaken by suitably qualified staff to the highest professional standards.

2 Development Details & Site description

The proposed development includes the construction of a solar power farm (photovoltaic panels) covering a site area of approximately 8.2 hectares (c.20 acres). Work will include the construction of the solar arrays, access roads, security fencing, ancillary buildings and associated works.

The proposed site will occupy an area of enclosed farmland around Tyn y Pant farm, which lies c.800m to the southeast of Abercraf in southern Powys, centred on SN 83002 12279 (Figures 1 & 2).

The site comprises several fields of improved grazing along a small east – west aligned ridge to the north of Tyn y Pant farmstead, as well as three fields of marshy land on either side of the A4221 to the east and south of the farmstead. The fields are bounded by a mix of stone wall embankments and mature hedgerows, with some modern post and wire fencing. To the north lie further field enclosures and stands of mature woodland on ground that slopes down into the base of the Tawe

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Valley. Abercraf occupies the northern banks of the river beyond. To the east the site is bounded by further enclosed pasture along the valley beyond which lies the wooded slopes of the Nant Llech valley. To the south the site is bounded by the line of a former mineral railway, now a tarmacked path, with land rising rapidly up Mynydd y Drum. To the west lies a mix of field enclosures and urban development including Tyn y Pant farmstead and Brookland Terrace with the village of Caehopkin beyond.

Cwm Gors lies just over 2km to the north, and Pontardawe lies c.3km to the southeast in the Swansea Valley.

3 Site specific objectives

The primary objective will be to assess the impact of the development proposals on the historic environment by means of a detailed desk top study followed by a site visit. This will help inform future decision making, design solutions and potential mitigation strategies. The aim will be to make full and effective use of existing information in establishing the archaeological significance of the site, to elucidate the presence or absence of archaeological material, its character, distribution, extent, condition and relative significance.

The work will include a comprehensive assessment of regional context within which the archaeological evidence rests and will aim to highlight any relevant research issues within national and regional research frameworks.

The work will result in a report that will provide information of sufficient detail to allow informed planning decisions to be made which can safeguard the archaeological resource. Preservation in situ will be advocated where at all possible, but where engineering or other factors result in loss of archaeological deposits, preservation by record will be recommended.

4 The proposed archaeological work

The aim of the work will be to establish and make available information about the archaeological resource existing on the site. The work will include the following elements:

 A detailed desk based assessment (Stage 1)  A site visit (Stage 2)  The production of an illustrated report

5 Method statement for a detailed desk based assessment (Stage 1)

The assessment will consider the following: a) The nature, extent and degree of survival of archaeological sites, structures, deposits and landscapes within the study area through assessment of various readily available primary sources:

1. Collation and assessment of all relevant information held in the regional HER at

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Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, Welshpool, within a 1km search area from the edge of the development boundary. 2. Collation and assessment of all Designated archaeological sites, including registered parks & gardens, landscapes, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings within a 5km search area from the edge of the development boundary. 3. Assessment of all available excavation report and archives including unpublished and unprocessed material affecting the site and its setting. 4. Assessment of all relevant extant aerial photographic (AP) evidence. This will include those held by either the Central Register of Air Photography for Wales, in Cardiff or the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales (RCAHMW), Aberystwyth. 5. All sources indexed in the County Archive and the National Library of Wales (Aberystwyth), and as appropriate, site files held by RCAHMW. 6. Records held by the developer e.g. bore hole logs, geological/geomorphological information, aerial photographs, maps, plans, ztv data 7. Map regression analysis using all relevant cartographic sources e.g. All editions of the Ordnance Survey County Series, Tithe and early estate maps (as available). 8. Place name evidence 9. Internet sourced satellite imagery 10. Historic documents (e.g. Charters, registers, estate papers) b) The significance of any remains in their context both regionally and nationally and in light of the findings of the desk based study. c) the history of the site d) the potential visual impact of any proposed development on the setting of known sites of archaeological importance e) the potential for further work, with recommendations where appropriate for a suitable investigative and/or mitigation methodology.

6 The Site Visit (Stage 2)

The site visit will be a visual walked search of the entire development area. The ground surface will be visually inspected for all earthworks, structures and finds. The location of any environmental archaeological deposits, or areas which may have a potential for such deposits, will also be taken into account along with the more traditional ‘visible’ archaeology.

All located sites or finds will be accurately fixed by means of GPS. Each individual find or site location will have an accurate NGR reference attached. Where a close cluster of related features is identified a single NGR for the centre of the cluster will be used, and each constituent feature separately described in the text.

The character, function, condition, vulnerability, potential dating and relationship to other features of each identified site or find will be described fully. The importance of the site or find will be assessed in terms of local, regional or national significance.

A sketch survey of each identified site layout will be made with accompanying metric measurements

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Written, drawn and photographic records of an appropriate level of detail will be maintained throughout the course of the project. Digital photographs, including metric scales, will be taken using cameras with resolutions of 14 mega pixels or above. Photographs will be taken in RAW format.

Illustrations will be drawn to a scale of 1:50, 1:20 and 1:10 as required, and these will be related to Ordnance Survey datum and published boundaries where appropriate.

The site visit will also assess the visual impact of the proposed development on the setting of known sites of archaeological importance. Photographs will be taken from the proposed development to help illustrate and assess this visual impact and Designated sites within the study area will also be visited with photographs taken towards the proposed development to help illustrate and assess this visual impact on these sites.

7 The production of an illustrated report and the deposition of the site archive (Stage 3)

A report will be produced which synthesises the results of stages 1 and 2 and thereby assesses the total archaeological resource within the development area.

The results will be presented in such a way that data and supporting text are readily cross-referenced. The regional HER Officer will be contacted to ensure that any sites or monuments not previously recorded in the HER are given a Primary Record Number (PRN) and that data structure is compatible with the HER. The historical development of the site will be presented in phased maps and plans comprising clearly, the outline of the site.

Within the report an attempt will be made to indicate areas of greater or lesser archaeological significance and the sites will be ranked in level of overall archaeological importance (locally, regionally and nationally).

All relevant aerial photographs and historic maps will be included and be fully referenced. Any site photographs included in the report will be appropriately captioned and clearly located on a suitably scaled site plan.

The report will be used to inform future decision making regarding further stages of archaeological work (Field Evaluation, Watching Brief etc), the development construction and processes used.

The report will specifically include the following: 1. a copy of the design brief 2. a location plan 3. all identified sites plotted on an appropriately scaled plan of the proposal site 4. a gazetteer of all located sites and finds with full dimensional and descriptive detail including grid reference and period 5. suitable mitigation for protection of the heritage assets and landscape setting during the development

Copies of the report will be sent to: Asbri Planning, Solar Power Parks Ltd, CPAT, and for inclusion in the regional HER. Digital copies will be provided in pdf format if required.

Any further stages of archaeological work, after the submission of the report for stages

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one and two outlined above, will be the subject of an additional CPAT curatorial brief against which a further AW specification will be drawn up.

The site archive A project archive will be prepared in accordance with the National Monuments Record agreed structure and be deposited with the County Museum on completion of site analysis and report production. It will also conform to the guidelines set out in ‘management of research projects in the historic environment’ (English Heritage, 2006).

The digital archive will be deposited with the NMR.

Although there may be a period during which client confidentiality will need to be maintained, the report and the archive will be deposited not later than six months after completion of the work.

Other significant digital data generated by the survey (ie AP plots, EDM surveys, CAD drawings, GIS maps, etc) will be presented as part of the report on a CD/DVD. The format of this presented data will be agreed with the curator in advance of its preparation.

8 Resources and timetable

Standards The desk based assessment will be undertaken by AW staff using current best practice.

All work will be undertaken to the standards and guidelines of the CIfA.

Staff The project will be undertaken by suitably qualified AW staff. Overall management of the project will be by Philip Poucher.

Equipment The project will use existing AW equipment.

Timetable of archaeological works The work will be undertaken at the convenience of the client. No start date has yet been agreed.

Insurance AW is an affiliated member of the CBA, and holds Insurance through the CBA insurance service.

Arbitration In the event of any dispute arising out of this Agreement (including those considered as such by only one of the parties) either party may forthwith give to the other notice in writing of such a dispute or difference and the same shall be and is hereby referred for decision in accordance with the Rules of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators’ Arbitration scheme for the Institute for Archaeologists applying at the date of this Agreement.

Health and safety

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All members of staff will adhere to the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, 1974, and the Health and Safety Policy Statement of AW.

27/09/2015 Figure 1: Location map. Site outlined in red. 1;25000 @ A4

The Ordnance Survey has granted Archaeology Wales Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100055111) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains otherwise with the 0 200 400 600 800 1000 m Ordnance Survey

Prepared by: Steffan Harries, 28-08-2015 Archaeology

Wales

APPENDIX IV: Impact Assessment Methodology Impact Assessment Methodology

The scoring system for assessing the magnitude of impact of the proposed development is based on the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) (Volume 11 Environmental Assessment, Section 3 Environmental Topics, Part 2, Cultural Heritage) (Ref. 9-2), which is published by the UK Government on behalf of the Highways Agency, Transport Scotland, Welsh Assembly Government (Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru) and the Department For Regional Development Northern Ireland.

DMRB is the established good practice guidance for assessing the impact of the effects of the Proposed Development on the cultural heritage resource, which it divides into three sub- topics: Archaeological Remains, Historic Buildings and Historic Landscapes.

Archaeological Remains

The following scale of values are used in assessing the value/sensitivity of archaeological remains. For each value, the asset types relevant to the definition are listed in brackets afterwards. Where the definition of the asset type is ambiguous (for example ‘sites of international importance’), the assessing archaeologist will use his or her professional judgement in deciding whether to allocate particular remains to it.

 Very High (World Heritage Sites and other sites of international importance);  High (Scheduled Monuments, undesignated assets of schedulable quality, assets of National importance that can contribute significantly to acknowledged national research objectives);  Medium (Designated or undesignated assets of Regional importance that contribute to regional research objectives);  Low (assets of local importance, assets compromised by poor preservation or poor survival of contextual associations);  Negligible (assets with little or no surviving archaeological interest);  Unknown (the importance of the resource has not been ascertained).

An ‘Unknown’ value may sometimes be all that can be determined, particularly in the early stages of a project. In these cases, an estimate of the risk of there being valuable archaeological remains that could be affected will be made together with an indication of how this risk is to be managed.

The following scales of values will be used in assessing the magnitude of impacts:

 Major (change to most or all key archaeological materials, such that the resource is totally altered; comprehensive changes to setting);  Moderate (changes to many key archaeological materials, such that the resource is clearly modified; considerable changes to setting that affect the character of the asset);  Minor (changes to key archaeological materials, such that the asset is slightly altered; slight changes to setting);  Negligible (very minor changes to archaeological materials, or setting);  No Change

Built Heritage

The following scale of values will be used in assessing the value/sensitivity of historic buildings and structural remains. For each value, the asset types relevant to the definition are listed in brackets afterwards. Where the definition of the asset type is ambiguous (for example ‘sites of international importance’), the assessing archaeologist will use his or her professional judgement in deciding whether to allocate particular historic buildings and structural remains to it.

 Very High (World Heritage Sites and other sites of international importance);  High (Scheduled Monuments with standing remains, Grade I and Grade II* Listed Buildings, other listed buildings that can be shown to have exceptional qualities in their fabric or historical associations not adequately reflected in the listing grade, conservation Areas containing very important buildings, undesignated structures of clear national importance);  Medium (Grade II listed buildings, unlisted buildings that have exceptional qualities in their fabric or historical associations, Conservation Areas that contain buildings that contribute significantly to its historic character, Historic Townscape or built-up areas with important historic integrity in their buildings, or built settings);  Low (locally Listed buildings, historic buildings of modest quality, Historic Townscape or built areas of limited historic integrity in their buildings or built settings);  Negligible (buildings of no architectural or historical note);  Unknown (buildings with some hidden potential for historic significance).

An ‘Unknown’ value may sometimes be all that can be determined, particularly in the early stages of a project. In these cases, an estimate of the risk of there being valuable archaeological remains that could be affected will be made with an indication of how this risk is to be managed.

The following scales of values will be used to assess the magnitude of impacts:

 Major (change to key historic building elements, such that the resource is totally altered, comprehensive changes to the setting);  Moderate (Change to many key historic building elements, such that the resource is significantly modified; changes to the setting of an historic building, such that it is significantly modified); considerable (changes to setting that affect the character of the asset);  Minor (Change to key historic building elements, such that the asset is slightly different, change to setting of an historic building, such that it is noticeably changed);  Negligible (Slight changes to historic buildings elements or setting that hardly affect it);  No Change (No change to fabric or setting).

Historic Landscapes

The following scale of values will be used in assessing the value/sensitivity of historic landscapes. For each value, the asset types relevant to the definition are listed in brackets afterwards. Where the definition of the asset type is ambiguous (for example ‘Historic Landscapes of international value), the assessing archaeologist will use his or her professional judgement in deciding whether to allocate particular landscape to it.

 Very High (World Heritage Sites & historic landscapes associated with them);  High (designated and undesignated historic landscapes of outstanding interest, designated special historic landscapes, undesignated landscapes of high quality and importance, and of demonstrable national value, well preserved historic landscapes, exhibiting considerable coherence, time-depth or other critical factor(s));  Medium (landscapes of regional value, averagely well-preserved historic landscapes with reasonable coherence, time-depth or other critical factor(s));  Low (robust undesignated historic landscapes, historic landscapes with importance to local interest groups, Historic landscapes whose value is limited by poor preservation and/or poor survival of contextual associations);  Negligible (landscapes with little or no surviving archaeological interest);

The following scale of values will be used to assess the magnitude of impacts:

 Major (Change to most or all key historic landscape elements, parcels or components; extreme visual, effects; gross change of noise or change to sound quality; fundamental changes to use or access; resulting in total change to historic landscape character area);  Moderate (Changes to many key historic landscape elements, parcels or components, visual change to many key aspects of the historic landscape, noticeable differences in noise or sound quality, considerable changes to use or access; resulting in moderate changes to historic landscape character);  Minor (Changes to few key historic landscape elements, parcels or components, slight visual changes to few key aspects of historic landscape, limited changes to noise levels or sound quality; slight changes to use or access: resulting in limited changes to historic landscape character);  Negligible (Very minor changes to key historic landscape elements, parcels or components, virtually unchanged visual effects, very slight changes in noise levels or sound quality; very slight changes to use or access; resulting in a very small change to historic landscape character);  No Change (No change to elements, parcels or components; no visual or audible changes; no changes arising from in amenity or community factors).

The following table is then used to establish the Significance of Effect

Very High Neutral Slight Moderate/ Large or Very Very Large Large Large

High Neutral Slight Moderate/ Moderate/ Large or Very Slight Large Large

Medium Neutral Neutral/ Slight Moderate Moderate/ Slight Large

Low Neutral Neutral/ Neutral/ Slight Slight/ Slight Slight Moderate

Negligible Neutral Neutral Neutral/ Neutral/ Slight

VALUE/SENSITIVITY Slight Slight

No Change Negligible Minor Moderate Major

MAGNITUDE OF EFFECT

Archaeology

Wales

APPENDIX V: Archive Cover Sheet ARCHIVE COVER SHEET

Tyn y Pant, Abercraf, Powys

Site Name: Tyn-y-Pant

Site Code: TPA/15/DBA

PRN: -

NPRN: -

SAM: -

Other Ref No: -

NGR: SN 83002 12279

Site Type: Agricultural Land / Solar Farm

Project Type: Desk-Based Assessment

Project Manager: Philip Poucher

Project Dates: September - October 2015

Categories Present: Prehistoric to Modern

Location of Original Archive: AW

Location of duplicate Archives: RCAHMW, Aberystwyth

Number of Finds Boxes: 0

Location of Finds: N/A

Museum Reference:

Restrictions to access: None

Archaeology Wales

Archaeology Wales Limited Rhos Helyg, Cwm Belan , Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6QF Tel: +44 (0) 1686 440371 Email: [email protected]

Company Directors: Mark Ho uliston MIFA & Jill Ho uliston Company Registered No. 7440770 (England & Wales). Registered off ce: Morgan Gri ths LLP, Cross Chambers, 9 High Street, Newtown, Powys, SY16 2NY