Pippa Middleton’s plans to renovate her £15million country home could be “paused” due to an archaeological site containing prehistoric remains.
Archaeologists have said that the proposed developments could endanger significant relics and sites from the Palaeolithic era.
Planning applications have been submitted by Ms Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, to renovate their Barton Court estate.
The couple wants to build a new greenhouse and stables, along with additional extensions, such as a garden room.
Ms Middleton’s renovation plans could be ‘paused’ | GETTY
Archaeologists brought in to check out the site warned that developments have “the potential to impact on hitherto unidentified archaeology dating from the prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval periods”.
Heritage Planning Services (HPS), the archaeology consultancy firm, submitted a report to West Berkshire Council stating that the site of the couple’s home “falls within an area of potential Palaeolithic archaeology with evidence derived from boreholes across the landscape”.
The report, seen by The Telegraph, continues: “Mesolithic remains have come to be known through various flint scatters and semi-permanent sites in the area.
“Prehistoric flintwork has also come directly from the project site.”
Medieval remains may be found beneath where the couple plans to develop
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Medieval remains may also be found beneath the estate grounds, the archaeologists said.
The 12-mile stretch of Kennet Valley between Kintbury and Aldermaston is renowned for several early hunter-gatherer sites dating back thousands of years.
Surveys indicate that Mesolithic camp sites existed in the valley, with flints and butchered animal bones discovered throughout the river floodplain.
HPS’s report warned that the planned formal raised garden, the removal of existing structures and building of new ones “may be considered harmful to a non-designated heritage asset”.
The couple moved into Barton Court in 2022
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It added: “Based on the available evidence, potential archaeology within the development area is considered to be of local or regional significance.”
Consultants have suggested that further investigations be conducted.
Ms Middleton and Mr Matthews’ plans to replace their existing greenhouse have also raised concerns.
During discussions over the plans, a West Berkshire council conservation officer said: “This will entail the loss of some historic fabric and an overall change in the form of the greenhouse form found here.
Ms Middleton and Mr Matthews’ plans to replace their existing greenhouse have also raised concerns
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“While the use and appearance of this area will remain the same (greenhouses), and so the setting of the walled garden is not altered too heavily, the loss of the historical development of the present greenhouses is a shame, will cause some harm and is at present unjustified.”
Archaeologist Gillian Hovell told The Telegraph: “One find can change history and change our idea of the timelines and culture of places.”
She explained that if a site has major history, then a structure programme needs to be conducted by a qualified archaeologist, “and if anything is found, the development should be paused”.
The Princess of Wales’ younger sister and Mr Matthews, an Eton-educated financier, moved into Barton Court in 2022 with their three young children, after buying the property from the late Sir Terence Conran.