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Bob Geldof's plan for 40-metre pond in grounds of Davington Priory home raises archaeological concerns

10:55, 28 September 2020

updated: 09:21, 29 September 2020

Archaeologists want Bob Geldof's back garden to be inspected for remnants of a chapel and other ancient features before the singer installs a 40-metre pond.

The Live Aid founder, who has taken inspiration from Monet's famous water lily paintings, wants to create a haven for wildlife at his Faversham home in Davington Priory.

Sir Bob Geldof wants to create a haven for wildlife in his garden
Sir Bob Geldof wants to create a haven for wildlife in his garden

But while his proposals have been warmly welcomed, history buffs say the plot earmarked for development requires further analysis before the diggers move in.

Surveys from 2010 suggest a buried circular structure, which lies partly within the proposed pond spot, could be an "eye-catching" discovery.

"There seems to have been a series of events happening in this area over an unknown period of time," an old report from the Faversham Society Archaeological Research Group states.

"It is tempting to speculate about a possible apsidal early chapel or a prehistoric collection of ditch and bank events or even both, but the fact is we don't know.

"This part of the grounds does really need further investigation.

The pond is proposed to be installed in the paddock
The pond is proposed to be installed in the paddock

"This does not have to be excavation - a magnetometry survey would clarify whether these features are superficial or ancient."

In light of Mr Geldof's pond vision, the group, which does not object to the project as a whole, has suggested there be greater investigation into the site.

Historic England has also shared its "concerns" over a lack of archaeological report attached to the planning application.

As a result, the Boomtown Rats star has been allocated a time extension allowing his team to come back with more detailed plans.

A decision on the scheme has therefore been put on hold until at least November.

The plans for Davington Priory have been inspired by Monet's paintings
The plans for Davington Priory have been inspired by Monet's paintings
An undated archive photo of the priory, Sir Bob's home
An undated archive photo of the priory, Sir Bob's home

Aside from issues over archaeology, the pond proposals, which the 68-year-old submitted to Swale planning chiefs two months ago, have been warmly received by nearby residents and the town council.

If approved, it will contribute to the government's One Million Pond Project which bids to increase and enhance freshwater wildlife habitats across the country for endangered plants and animals.

Documents compiled by planning agents state: "The design inspiration for the pond has come from Monet’s pond at Giverny, with a mix of fresh-water plants and trees to maximise the biodiversity value.

"A critical element of the project is that these new ponds will have clean water."

Mr Geldof, who is regularly spotted around the town, has owned the 12th century Davington Priory since the 1980s.

The number of nuns based at the priory slowly dwindled during the early reign of Henry VIII, who granted the site to Sir Thomas Cheney.

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