Absolute Archaeology conducted a test pitting excavation at 3 Stonepail Cottages in Gatley, Stockport to analyze the archaeological potential of the site before construction of a new house. Four test pits were dug and soil layers were analyzed but no archaeological evidence was found. The excavation concluded the site had been used as a garden and parking area with no archaeological value, allowing the construction to proceed. This example demonstrates how and why test pitting can be used to excavate small areas when space is limited.