HeritageCollective
Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment
Birmingham Road, Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
On behalf of Cartwright Homes
August 2015
Project Ref: 1499
Project Number: 1499 Authored by: Michelle Collings Reviewed by: Karl Hulka Date: August 2015 Document version M:\HC\Projects\Projects 1401- 1500\14.1499 -Birmingham Road, Nuneaton\Reports\ 2015.08.12 1499 Birmingham Road, Ansley DBAv.1docx
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CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 1.0 INTRODUCTION 6 2.0 PLANNING FRAMEWORK 8 3.0 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY 10 4.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 12 5.0 SITE CONDITIONS AND THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 23 6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 25 SOURCES CONSULTED 26
APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Site location maps APPENDIX 2: Warwickshire HER map and list APPENDIX 3: Historic maps and images Appendix 3.1: 1576 - Saxton’s Warwic Lecestriae Coitat Appendix 3.2: 1817 Ordnance Surveyors Drawing Appendix 3.3: 1844 Tithe map Appendix 3.4: 1888 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.5: 1904 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.6: 1925 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.7: 1945 RAF Aerial Photograph Appendix 3.8: 1955 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.9: 1956-1959 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.10: 1990 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.11: 1999 Google Earth Image Appendix 3.12: 2006 Google Earth Image Appendix 3.13: 2013 Google Earth Image APPENDIX 4: Proposed development
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The site known as Birmingham Road, Ansley, Warwickshire is proposed for development.
The application site has been shown to have a low to moderate potential for encountering medieval remains of an agricultural nature and unstratified finds of medieval date. There is also low to moderate potential for remains and finds associated with the construction of the existing and earlier buildings. This assessment suggests a low potential for remains of other periods to survive on site.
The principal existing impacts on any surviving archaeological deposits and features will derive from any former agricultural activities across the application site. Additionally, any trees or former trees and areas of dense vegetation are likely to have had an impact on below ground deposits due to root turbation. Further, any 19th century development at the southwest corner and adjoining the application site will have had a negative impact. Following which demolition, grubbing out and any associated landscaping will have had a negative impact beyond the former building footprints. Subsequently, a pond was constructed at the southwest of the application site by 1888 and it is likely that this had an impact on below ground deposits beyond its footprint. Notably, a building and two ancillary buildings were constructed within the northern part of the application site by the late 20th century. It is probable that the construction of these buildings impacted upon the northern part of the application site, beyond their current footprints.
On the basis of the available evidence for medieval remains it is advised that further archaeological work will be required. Any such work should be carried out in a staged way. In the first instance this should include the monitoring of ground investigations in order to assess the level of survival of any archaeological deposits present and characterise any remains revealed. The results of this monitoring should inform the extent and scope of further archaeological work, if deemed pertinent. Any areas of potential identified during monitoring could be targeted during a separate programme of archaeological works such as evaluation (by geophysical survey and/ or trial trenching). There is no evidence to suggest that archaeological remains requiring preservation in-situ exist within the application site. Accordingly, if
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required any further archaeological investigation could be adequately dealt with by the imposition of a suitably worded condition attached to the consented scheme.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This archaeological desk-based assessment has been prepared by Michelle Collings (ACIfA), senior archaeological consultant at Heritage Collective on behalf of Cartwright Homes. Documentary research was carried out by the author and Nick Garland (ACIfA), archaeological consultant at Heritage Collective.
1.2 The subject of this assessment is the site known as Birmingham Road, Ansley, Warwickshire hereafter referred to as the ‘application site’. The application site is located at the south of Ansley and is centred at National Grid Reference (NGR) SP (4)29748 (2)91748 (Appendix 1).
1.3 The application site lies to the immediate east of Ansely Conservation Area. There are no registered parks and gardens or scheduled monuments located within the 2km radius study area.
1.4 Cartwright Homes has commissioned Heritage Collective to establish the archaeological potential of the application site, and to provide guidance on ways to accommodate any relevant constraints identified. This assessment is in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the procedures set out in ‘Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment’1.
1.5 This desk-based assessment comprises an examination of evidence on the Warwickshire Historic Environment Record (HER) together with a range of archives and libraries including the Warwickshire Record Office, The British Library and the National Archives. The report incorporates the results of a comprehensive map regression exercise in order to review the impacts of existing development on potential underlying archaeological deposits. A site visit was also undertaken by Karl Hulka (ACIfA), archaeological director at Heritage Collective on the 18th July 2014 in good conditions.
1 Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. Standard and Guidance for historic desk-based assessment. CIfA (2014).
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1.6 The assessment thus enables all relevant parties to assess the archaeological potential of the site and to consider the need for design, civil engineering and archaeological solutions to the potentials identified.
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2.0 PLANNING FRAMEWORK
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
2.1 Legislation regarding archaeology, including scheduled ancient monuments, is contained in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, amended by the National Heritage Act 1983 and 2002.
2.2 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in March 2012 provides guidance for planning authorities, property owners, developers and others on the preservation and investigation of archaeological remains. The framework sets out the obligations placed on the local planning authority (Chapter 12) through the development and implementation of a local plan. The framework also sets out the need for the determining authority to ensure that they have sufficient information when making decisions on applications affecting the historic environment.
2.3 In summary, government guidance on archaeology contained within the NPPF provides a structure for making decisions:
x where designated heritage assets (world heritage sites, scheduled monuments, listed buildings, protected wreck sites, registered parks and gardens, registered battlefields and conservation areas) are affected by development
x where the settings of heritage assets are affected by development
x where nationally important un-scheduled monuments are affected by development
2.4 In addition the National Planning Policy Framework:
x requires the applicant to provide proportionate information on heritage assets affected by the proposals and an assessment of the impact of the proposed development on the significance of the heritage asset
x places a duty on the decision making body to determine applications on the basis of sufficient evidence, gathered if necessary from field evaluation.
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Local Policies
North Warwickshire Borough Council Local Plan and Core Strategy
2.5 North Warwickshire Borough Council Local Plan 2006 was adopted on the 4th July 2006. All but three polices were saved by Secretary of State, however the Core Strategy adopted in October 2014 replaced some of the Local Plan 2006 saved policies. Subsequently, North Warwickshire Borough Council Local Development Scheme (LDS) (setting out the timetable for the production of local development documents) was adopted in January 2015. The Core Strategy (adopted October 2014) contains a single overarching policy relating to heritage.
2.6 Policy NW14: Historic Environment
The Council recognises the importance of the historic environment to the Borough’s local character, identity and distinctiveness, its cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits. The quality, character, diversity and local distinctiveness of the historic environment will be conserved and enhanced. In particular:
x Within identified historic landscape character areas development will conserve, enhance and where appropriate, restore landscape character as well as promote a resilient, functional landscape able to adapt to climate change. Specific historic features which contribute to local character will be protected and enhanced and
x The quality of the historic environment, including archaeological features, Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens, Conservation Areas and any non-designated assets; buildings, monuments, archaeological sites, places, areas or landscapes positively identified in North Warwickshire’s Historic Environment Record as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, will be protected and enhanced, commensurate to the significance of the asset
x Wherever possible, a sustainable reuse of redundant historic buildings will be sought, seeking opportunities to address those heritage assets identified as most at risk.
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3.0 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY
Geology
3.1 The British Geological Survey identifies the underlying solid geology as Whitacre Member comprising mudstone and sandstone, a sedimentary bedrock formed approximately 299 to 309 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period in an environment dominated by rivers 2.
3.2 The British Geological Survey identifies the overlying superficial geology as Thrussington Member (Diamicton), a superficial deposit formed in the Quaternary Period, up to two million years ago in an environment dominated by ice age conditions3.
3.3 No site specific geotechnical information is currently available.
Site Location and Topography
3.4 The application site is located in Ansley approximately 17km to the north of Coventry and approximately 8km to the west of Nuneaton. It lies to the east of residential properties and other buildings, including the Parish Hall fronting Birmingham Road (the B4112). It lies to the north of properties front St Lawrence Road and to the west and south of open land (Appendix 1).
3.5 The landscape within the immediate vicinity of the application site is gently undulating. A spotheight of 156m AOD is recorded on Birmingham Road to the immediate west of the application site falling to 154m AOD to the south on Birmingham Road. A spotheight of 166m AOD is recorded on Birmingham Road adjacent to the railway line further to the southeast. A spotheight of 144m AOD is recorded further to the northwest on the B41144.
3.6 The Bourne Brook, a tributary of the River Bourne itself a tributary of the River Tame lies within the western part of the study area .The study area falls within the ‘Arden area,’ comprising land lying between the River Tame and the River Avon in Warwickshire and extending into north Worcestershire. It is
2 British Geological Survey online viewer http://www.bgs.ac.uk/data/mapViewers/home.html 3 British Geological Survey online viewer http://www.bgs.ac.uk/data/mapViewers/home.html 4 http://www.magic.gov.uk/
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characterised as a mix of urban and rural landuse, including the heavily urbanised centres of Birmingham, Coventry, Redditch, Nuneaton and Tamworth set within and around a landscape of farmland, parkland and former wood5.
3.7 The application site comprises an irregular plot of land and largely comprises open land currently in grass. The northern part of the application site is occupied by an agricultural building along with ancillary buildings and structures and there is a pond situated at the southwest corner of the application site.
5 http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/default.aspx
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4.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
4.1 Timescales used in this report:
Prehistoric Palaeolithic 450,000 - 12,000 BC Mesolithic 12,000 - 4,000 BC Neolithic 4,000 - 1,800 BC Bronze Age 1,800 - 600 BC Iron Age 600 - AD 43
Historic Roman AD 43 - 410 Saxon/Early Medieval AD 410 - 1066 Medieval AD 1066 - 1485 Post Medieval AD 1486 - 1800 Modern AD 1800 - Present
4.2 This chapter considers the archaeological finds and features from within a 2km radius of the application site, held on the Warwickshire Historic Environment Record (HER), hereafter referred to as the ‘study area’, together with a map regression exercise charting the history of the application site from the late 16th century to the present day. The HER map and list are included in this report at Appendix 2, showing the distribution of entries in the vicinity of the application site.
4.3 There are only forty-two entries on the HER within the 2km radius study area, of which twenty entries pertain to the post-medieval period. In total there are twenty-two entries on the HER relating to activity pre-dating the post-medieval period, of which twelve entries are findspots. Overall, there is limited evidence for any sustained activity pre-dating the medieval period.
4.4 The application site lies to the immediate east of Ansely Conservation Area which broadly corresponds with the area which has been identified as the area of medieval settlement (MWA9483) (as illustrated on Appendix 2.1).
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4.5 The cartographic evidence (Appendix 3) shows there had been development at the southwest corner and adjoining the application site by 1844 at the latest (Appendix 3.3). However these buildings were demolished (Appendix 3.4) and a pond was constructed at the southwest of the application site by 1888 at the latest (Appendix 3.4). Subsequently, there has been development within the northern part of the application site by the late 20th century at the latest (Appendix 3.10).
Earlier Prehistoric – Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic
4.6 There is little evidence for occupation or sustained prehistoric activity of any date within the study area recorded on the Warwickshire HER. Evidence for prehistoric activity is restricted to widely dispersed findspots. In total there are nine entries on the HER pertaining to the prehistoric period, seven of which pertain to the earlier prehistoric period.
4.7 Evidence for the earlier prehistoric period comprises seven lithic findspots. There are no particular concentrations and all seven are represented by single artefacts. In general this is indicative temporary or transitory activity most likely derived from loss or discard during movement across the landscape. Furthermore, the paucity of prehistoric artefacts highlights the possibility that some of the artefacts collected were imported into the area and were found as a result of manuring or similar activities.
4.8 There are three lithic findspots dated to the Palaeolithic period recorded at the southern edge of the study area (MWA19297, MWA12764 and MWA12766). There is no evidence for Palaeolithic activity recorded elsewhere within the study area.
4.9 There is only one entry on the HER pertaining to the Mesolithic period comprising a flint implement recovered from the western edge of the study area (MWA5007).
4.10 There is one entry on the HER specifically pertaining to the Neolithic period comprising an arrowhead recovered adjacent to Bourne Brook in the western part of the study area (MWA4454).
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4.11 There are two lithic findspots dated to the Neolithic period or Bronze Age comprising a flint knife collected at the south western edge of the study area (MWA4450) and a stone axe collected at the southern edge of the study area (MWA6096). The latter was found during ploughing in the area of a former tumulus interpreted as a possible former barrow. However, as the axe was found in 1770 there is little definitive information recorded on the HER regarding the precise location of the findspot or the possible barrow. Although a barrow would be indicative of sustained activity it is not particularly suggestive of long-term occupation in the immediate location of the possible barrow or elsewhere within the study area.
4.12 There is no definitive evidence for any in-situ prehistoric remains recorded within the study area. Evidence for earlier prehistoric activity is restricted to widely dispersed unstratified findspots indicative of temporary activity. Additionally, given the unstratified nature of the finds it is possible that some of them were imported through manuring or similar activity. Consequently, the potential for archaeological remains dating from this period to be encountered on the application site is considered to be low.
Later Prehistoric – Bronze Age and Iron Age
4.13 There is little evidence for any later prehistoric activity recorded on the Warwickshire HER within the study area. There are only two entries specifically pertaining to later prehistoric activity within the study area.
4.14 As detailed above there are two lithic findspots dated to the Neolithic period or Bronze Age comprising a flint knife collected at the south western edge of the study area (MWA4450) and a stone axe collected at the southern edge of the study area (MWA6096).
4.15 Definitive evidence for the later prehistoric period comprises a gold object dated to the Bronze Age collected at the southern edge of the study area (MWA4952) and a Bronze terret of Iron Age date recovered at Galley Common in the east of the study area (MWA7353).
4.16 There is no definitive evidence for any in-situ prehistoric remains recorded within the study area. Evidence for later prehistoric activity is restricted to widely dispersed unstratified findspots indicative of temporary or transitory activity.
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Consequently, the potential for archaeological remains dating from this period to be encountered on the application site is considered to be low.
Roman
4.17 During the Roman period it is possible that much of the Arden area was wooded, falling within the Forest of Arden, which encompassed an area from Stratford-on Avon in the south to Tamworth in the north. Accordingly, the modern cities of Coventry, Solihull and Birmingham all fell within land occupied by the ancient Forest of Arden. It is thought that any Roman roads were constructed around the forest although it is likely that the woodland was utilised for industrial activity such as tile and pottery manufacture.
4.18 Following the Claudian Invasion of Britain in the first century AD, a series of legionary forts were established as the campaign spread out from the southeast to the northwest of England. Lunt Fort was established in AD60, located approximately 22km to the south of the application site. Forts such as this were generally interconnected by a network of military roads which collectively formed the focus of subsequent occupation. This was through both the development of roadside settlement activities but also the economic ‘pull’ the forts exerted for the provision of support services.
4.19 The former Roman road known as Watling Street (now the A5) runs in a northwest-southeast alignment to the north of Nuneaton and lies approximately 8km to the northeast of the application site. A small Roman settlement known as ‘Manduessedum’ (Mancetter) was established outside Atherstone to the southeast of the River Anker approximately 7km to the northeast of the application site.
4.20 There are no entries on the HER relating to Roman activity within the study area and it is likely that the application site remained in undeveloped countryside at this time. It is possible that the study area fell within or in close proximity to wooded areas which extended from Coventry approximately 17km to the south to Tamworth approximately 20km to the northwest of the application site. Evidence for Roman pottery manufacture has been recorded in the Mancetter area including thirty pottery kilns. Despite the relatively close proximity of Watling Street, settlement and manufacturing there is no evidence for any associated activity recorded within the study area. Consequently the potential
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for evidence dating from this period to be encountered on the application site is considered to be low.
Saxon/ Early Medieval
4.21 During the 10th century a number of market towns developed within the Arden area including Warwick, approximately 35km to the south of the application site. However, it is thought likely that much of the north western part of Warwickshire remained wooded falling within the Forest of Arden during the Saxon period.
4.22 Following the withdrawal of the Roman Empire from Britain, Saxon settlers inhabited this area and it became part of the Kingdom of Mercia. In the 9th century however, large parts of Mercia were handed to the Danish invaders following the signing of the Treaty of Wedmore between Saxon King Alfred and Danish chieftain Guthrum. While the application site remained in a much reduced Kingdom of Mercia, it lay close to the border with the Danelaw, which covered much of the lands beyond Watling Street.
4.23 Domesday records that Ansley lay within the Hundred of Coleshill in the County of Warwickshire with land for five men’s plough teams. The Countess Godiva was lord in AD1066 and Nicholas (the bowman) was lord in AD1086 however Countess Godiva was Tenant in Chief by AD1086.
4.24 There is little evidence for any Saxon/early medieval activity recorded on the Warwickshire HER within the study area. There is one entry pertaining to Saxon activity comprising an isolated Sceat (silver coin) dating to the 8th century found at the southern edge of the study area (MWA5959). In general this is indicative temporary or transitory activity most likely derived from loss or discard during movement across the landscape.
4.25 There is no evidence for any in-situ remains of Saxon/early medieval date and there is only one isolated Saxon findspot recorded approximately 1.8km to the south of the application site. Consequently the potential for archaeological remains dating from these periods to be encountered on the site is considered to be low.
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Medieval
4.26 There are twelve entries on the Warwickshire HER within the study area pertaining to the medieval period. Four entries relate to possible areas of settlement, two entries detail buildings or structural remains, two entries relate to earthworks and two entries comprise findspots.
4.27 At the time of the Domesday Survey, Nuneaton was a hamlet by the name of Etone, held by the Earl of Aubrey. It appears to have remained as a small rural community until the establishment of the Benedictine Nunnery in the 12th century, which led to the renaming of the settlement as ‘Nonne Eton’, later Nuneaton, clearly a compound of the historic name and the new focus of activity. The settlement grew in size in the 13th century becoming a town which was granted a fair and market days.
4.28 An area of medieval settlement relating to the Manor of Stockingford (MWA12426) has been identified at the east of the study area at Galley Common. Place name and cartographic evidence suggests that the area identified at Galley Common fell within the ownership of the Nunnery of Nuneaton sometime before 1592. There is no evidence for any medieval below ground remains or findspots recorded within the conjectural area of medieval settlement at Galley Common.
4.29 On his death in 1261, the lands of William of Hartshill in Ansley at the northeast of the study area passed to William Le Bret. Subsequently this was known as the Manor of Bretts Hall during the medieval period. The hall was pulled down in 1750 to allow for the construction of Ansley Park and most of the land associated with the former hall were enclosed within it. A moat is thought to have surrounded Bretts Hall, situated 350m to the southeast of Ansely Hall. The moat remained and was enlarged during the post-medieval period but has since been ploughed out (MWA161). The site of an oratory or private chapel associated with Bretts Hall is recorded 300m to the southeast of Ansley Hall. Documentary evidence indicates that William Le Bret had licence for such an oratory in 1359 (MWA160). A number of unstratified stone fragments through to be of medieval date were found in the grounds of Ansley Hall (MWA163), however they are thought to have derived from Caldecote Church situated further to the east of the study area.
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4.30 The Church of St Lawrence situated at Church End in the northwest part of the study area dates to the medieval period. The chancel is of 12th century date with 18th century extension. The nave is also of 12th century date along with 15th century and later additions (MWA154). The base of a medieval cross is also recorded in the adjoining churchyard (MWA155). The site of a possible medieval shrunken village has been identified from earthworks at Church End. The area of the possible shrunken village includes the location of the church and the surrounding area extending either side of Birmingham Road (MWA156). A single findspot is recorded at Church End, medieval finds including pottery and coins were found at Lion House, according to the owner although there is little detailed information recorded on the HER (MWA9180).
4.31 The Church of St Wilfred in Arley at the southwest of the study area is of 14th century date with later additions and restoration. It is also thought possible that the north wall of the nave may be of 12th or 13th century date. Documentary sources refer to a church as early as 1282 (MWA186). An area of medieval settlement has been identified from cartographic evidence and aerial photographs in the adjoining area at Arley in the southwest of the study area (MWA9484).
4.32 An area of medieval settlement has been identified from cartographic evidence and aerial photographs at Ansley to the immediate west of the application site and partially extending into the southwest edge of the application site. The conjectural area largely extends to the northwest, south and southeast of the application site along Birmingham Road (MWA9483). Aerial photograph evidence has identified possible earthworks of medieval date to the south of the conjectural area of settlement, to the south of Birmingham Road. It is described as an unidentified site which might be medieval in date (MWA3936).
4.33 There is varied evidence for medieval occupation recorded within the study area, however there has been little fieldwork to confirm the conjectural areas of medieval settlement. The evidence suggests that the application site lay in the rural hinterland beyond any settled areas. Whilst the application site lies adjacent to an area identified as an area of settlement, there is no evidence to suggest that any occupation or sustained activity extended beyond this area. However, it is possible that land within the application site was in agricultural use during this period given its proximity to the settled area although the
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existing field boundaries suggest much later enclosures. Consequently there is considered to be low to moderate potential for archaeological remains of an agricultural nature. There is also low to moderate potential for encountering unstratified finds associated with sporadic activity.
Post Medieval
4.34 The majority (twenty) of the entries on the Warwickshire HER within the study area detail post-medieval remains, of which eight entries detail post-medieval buildings or former buildings including Ansley Hall. Additionally two entries detail a landscaped park and kitchen garden associated with Ansley Hall. Two entries relate to infrastructure including a tramway and signal box. Seven entries detail industrial activity including three gravel pits, a clay pit, a brickworks and two collieries.
4.35 There is no evidence for below ground remains of post-medieval date recorded on the HER. There is only one findspot of post-medieval date recorded within the study area comprising an assemblage of pottery, glass and clay pipes dated to the late 18th century, found at Church End in Ansley. The assemblage was interpreted as probable clearance material from a nearby inn (MWA9553).
4.36 A mill was established at the west of the study area in the 16th century. It continued in used until the late 18th century (MWA153). There is no other evidence for post-medieval activity in the vicinity and only limited evidence for activity elsewhere within the western part of the study area comprising isolated buildings or former structures.
4.37 In general the HER records pertaining to the post-medieval period relate to industrial activity and infrastructure recorded within the eastern part of the study area at Galley Common (seven entries). The remaining entries are concentrated at the northeast of the study area relating to Ansley Hall and associated development and activity. Ansley Hall itself comprised an irregular mansion, the southern range was built in the 16th century with additional wings built during the 18th and 19th centuries (MWA157). A designed park associated with the hall was developed during the early 18th century including a hermitage, Chinese temple and other garden structures, none of which survive.
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4.38 There is no evidence for post-medieval activity recorded within the application site. However, there is one HER entry recorded to the immediate west of the application site comprising the ‘Congregational Chapel’ or 'Providence Chapel,’ a former United Reformed Church dated to 1822, which has been converted into a residential property (MWA2427). Aside from which there is no evidence for any post-medieval activity adjoining the application site or within the immediate surrounding area.
4.39 Saxton’s Warwic Lecestriae Coitat of 1576 (Appendix 3.1) represents the earliest map of the study area included in this assessment. It identifies the major settlements in the vicinity of the application site and shows the religious houses at Astley and Areley to the south and at Ansley (Anfley) to the north of the application site. The application site appears to have comprised open land, however given the pictorial nature of the map it does not all for any detailed comment on the layout of the application site.
4.40 The Ordnance Surveyors Drawing of 1817 (Appendix 3.2) identifies Ansley as such as shows a road running in broadly the same alignment as the present day Birmingham Road to the immediate west of the application site. There had been development to the west of the road to the northwest and south of the application site. There had been no development to the east of the road in the immediate vicinity of the application site and both the application site and the surrounding land appear to have comprised open land. However, given the pictorial nature of the map it does not allow for any detailed comment on the layout of the application site. There had been concentrated development further to the northwest in the central part of Ansely by this date.
4.41 The Tithe map of 1844 (Appendix 3.3) is the first map to allow for any detailed comment on the layout of the application site. It shows that there had been further development along the western side of the road to the west of the application site. There had also been development along the eastern side of the road within and adjoining the application site. The application site largely fell within one plot of land (650). The accompanying apportionment identifies this as ‘Broom Field’ which was mown and grazed. The application site also extended into similar open land along the northern boundary. Notably it extended into a plot of developed land at the southwest corner adjoining the road (plot 639). The accompanying apportionment identifies this as two tenements and gardens.
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Two buildings and an ancillary building are shown within plot 639, partially falling within the application site. Land to the immediate north, east and south of the application site remained open land.
4.42 The Ordnance Survey map of 1888 (Appendix 3.4) shows that there had been redevelopment along the eastern side of the road within and adjoining the application site by this date. The earlier buildings shown at the south western extreme of the application site had been removed. There had been redevelopment to the west of the application site and the ‘Congregation Chapel’ (recorded on the HER) is identified as such to the immediate west of the application site. There had also been development further to the south fronting the road. There had been various changes to field boundaries within and adjoining the application site and the application site fell within four plots of open land. A pond is shown at the southwest corner of the application site.
4.43 The Ordnance Survey maps dates to 1904 (Appendix 3.5) shows a slight alteration to the field boundaries within the application site aside from which there is no change. The Ordnance Survey map of 1925 (Appendix 3.6) show no apparent change to the layout of the application site.
4.44 An RAF Aerial Photograph of 1945 (Appendix 3.7) indicates a possible change to the field boundaries within the application site as confirmed by the Ordnance Survey map of 1955 (Appendix 3.8). The application site largely fell within one large plot of land by this date. Aside from which there was no apparent change to the layout of the application site between the early and mid-20th century.
4.45 The 1956-1959 Ordnance Survey map (Appendix 3.9) shows no change to the application site but there had been development to the immediate south of the application site comprising the construction of Lawrence Road and adjoining residential development.
4.46 The Ordnance Survey map of 1990 (Appendix 3.10) shows that there had been development within the northern part of the application site by this date comprising the construction of three unidentified agricultural buildings. Additionally, a new northwest – southeast aligned field boundary had been constructed, sub-dividing the large plot of land.
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4.47 The Google Earth Image of 1999 (Appendix 3.11) shows little change to the general layout of the application site. However, the northwest – southeast boundary has been removed and there are a number of new ancillary structures shown in the northern part of the application site.
4.48 The Google Earth Image of 2006 (Appendix 3.12) shows that many of the ancillary structures had been removed by this date. The Google Earth Image of 2013 (Appendix 3.13) shows no change and represents the current layout of the application site.
4.49 Aside from the former ‘Congregational Chapel’ (MWA2427) there is no evidence for any post-medieval activity adjoining the application site or within the immediate surrounding area. Further, there is no evidence for below ground remains of post-medieval date recorded within the study area and there is only one findspot of post-medieval date recorded within the study area. There is low to moderate potential for remains and finds associated with the construction of the existing and earlier buildings. Aside from which the potential for encountering archaeological features from this period is considered to be low.
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5.0 SITE CONDITIONS AND THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
5.1 The application site comprises an irregular plot of land. The northern part of the application site contains a small agricultural building along with ancillary buildings and structures. The remainder of the application site comprises open land that was in grass at the time of the site visit in July 2014. There is a well- established tree line along the southern and eastern boundaries and at the northeast edge of the application site. There is a well-established tree line along the eastern half of the northern boundary of the application site.
5.2 There had been development at the southwest corner and adjoining the application site by 1844 at the latest as indicated by the 1844 Tithe map (Appendix 3.3). Aside from which the application site has largely comprised open land from at least the mid-19th century as also shown by the 1844 Tithe map (Appendix 3.3). The application site lies to the immediate east of the area identified as the area of medieval settlement. Accordingly it is possible that it was in agricultural use during medieval period given the proximity to the area of probable settlement. The land use prior to this is unknown however there is no indication for any substantial occupation during the prehistoric or Roman periods.
5.3 Existing impacts on any surviving archaeological deposits and features will derive from any former agricultural activities across the application site. Additionally, any trees or former trees and areas of dense vegetation are likely to have had an impact on below ground deposits due to root turbation. Further, any 19th century development at the southwest corner and adjoining the application site will have had a negative impact. Following which demolition, grubbing out and any associated landscaping will have had a negative impact beyond the former building footprints. Subsequently, a pond was constructed at
Archaeological Desk Birmingham Road, Ansley, On behalf of Cartwright August 2015 © 23 Based Assessment Nuneaton, Warwickshire Homes
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the southwest of the application site by 1888 and it is likely that this had an impact on below ground deposits beyond its footprint. Notably, three small agricultural buildings were constructed within the northern part of the application site by the late 20th century. It is probable that the construction of these buildings impacted upon the northern part of the application site, beyond their current footprints.
Development Proposals
5.4 It is proposed to develop the application site for residential purposes along with associated access and infrastructure (Appendix 4).
5.5 The current proposals allow for fifty-two dwellings including detached, semi- detached and terrace properties along with associated infrastructure including a storm water attenuation pond. It is proposed to construct a new access adjoining Birmingham Road at the south west of the application site.
5.6 Foundations, service trenches, any associated landscaping and other intrusive groundworks are likely to impact on the existing ground. This assessment suggests that there is a possibility that archaeological features or deposits may be encountered and that they are most likely to relate to medieval activity. Any such remains are likely to be agricultural in nature. Additionally, there is the possibility of encountering medieval unstratified finds. There is also potential for remains and finds associated with the construction of the existing and earlier buildings.
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6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The site known as Birmingham Road, Ansley, Warwickshire is proposed for development.
6.2 In line with the policies of the local planning authority and national government guidance as set out in the NPPF, an archaeological desk-based assessment has been undertaken to clarify the archaeological potential of the application site and assess the level of impact development proposals may have on any archaeology present.
6.3 The application site has been shown to have a low to moderate potential for encountering medieval remains of an agricultural nature and unstratified finds of medieval date. There is also low to moderate potential for remains and finds associated with the construction of the existing and earlier buildings. This assessment suggests a low potential for remains of other periods to survive on site.
6.4 On the basis of the available evidence for medieval remains it is advised that further archaeological work will be required. Any such work should be carried out in a staged way. In the first instance this should include the monitoring of ground investigations in order to assess the level of survival of any archaeological deposits present and characterise any remains revealed. The results of this monitoring should inform the extent and scope of further archaeological work, if deemed pertinent. Any areas of potential identified during monitoring could be targeted during a separate programme of archaeological works such as evaluation (by geophysical survey and/ or trial trenching). There is no evidence to suggest that archaeological remains requiring preservation in- situ exist within the application site. Accordingly, if required any further archaeological investigation could be adequately dealt with by the imposition of a suitably worded condition attached to the consented scheme.
Archaeological Desk Birmingham Road, Ansley, On behalf of Cartwright August 2015 © 25 Based Assessment Nuneaton, Warwickshire Homes
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SOURCES CONSULTED
British Library The National Archives Warwickshire Record Office Warwickshire Historic Environment Record Historic England National Monuments Record Aerial Photography
Primary Sources
British Library
Saxton’s Warwic Lecestriae Coitat, 1576 Ordnance Surveyors Drawing, Sutton Coldfield, 1817
National Archives
IR 30/36/5 Tithe Map of Ansley, 1844 IR 29/36/5 Tithe Apportionment of Ansley, 1844
Promap
IR 29/36/5 Tithe Apportionment of Ansley, 1844 Ordnance Survey map, 1888 Ordnance Survey map, 1904 Ordnance Survey map, 1925 Ordnance Survey map, 1955 Ordnance Survey map, 1956-1959 Ordnance Survey map, 1990
Secondary Sources
Books
Morris, J. (ed). Domesday Book: Warwickshire. Phillimore (1975)
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Internet
British Geological Society online viewer http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/home.html?Accordion2=1#maps [date accessed 02/07/2015] British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/ [date accessed 02/07/2015] Magic Map http://www.magic.gov.uk/ [date accessed 02/07/2015] Natural England National Character Areas http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/default.aspx [date accessed 02/07/2015] North Warwickshire Borough Council http://www.northwarks.gov.uk/info/200294/planning [date accessed 02/07/2015]
Archaeological Desk Birmingham Road, Ansley, On behalf of Cartwright August 2015 © 27 Based Assessment Nuneaton, Warwickshire Homes
Archaeological Desk Birmingham Road, Ansley, On behalf of Cartwright August 2015 © 28 Based Assessment Nuneaton, Warwickshire Homes
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BIRMINGHAM ROAD, ANSLEY, NUNEATON, WARWICKSHIRE Appendix 2.2: Entries on the Warwickshire HER within 2km Archaeology
Monument Record Name Monument Type ID Type Prehistoric MWA4450 FS Findspot - Neolithic or Bronze Age flint knife FINDSPOT MWA4454 FS Findspot - Neolithic arrowhead FINDSPOT MWA4952 FS Findspot - Bronze Age gold object in the area of Mancetter FINDSPOT MWA5007 FS Findspot - Mesolithic flint implement FINDSPOT MWA6096 FS Findspot - Neolithic or Bronze Age stone axe, Hartshill. FINDSPOT MWA7353 FS Findspot - Iron Age Bronze Terret FINDSPOT MWA12764 FS Palaeolithic tool roughout found near Astley FINDSPOT MWA12766 FS Palaeolithic tool core found near Astley FINDSPOT MWA19297 FS Quartzite Paleolithic Bifacial Knife/Handaxe/Tranverse Flake found near Astley FINDSPOT Anglo-Saxon MWA5959 FS Anglo Saxon Sceat found near Atherstone FINDSPOT Medieval MWA154 BLD Church of St Lawrence, Ansley parish CHURCH, BUILDING MWA155 MON Cross in Ansley Churchyard CROSS MWA156 MON Site of Possible Shrunken Settlement at Church End SHRUNKEN VILLAGE MWA160 MON Site of Oratory at Bretts Hall, Ansley. CHAPEL, PRIVATE CHAPEL MWA161 MON Site of Moat at Bretts Hall MOAT MWA163 FS Findspot - Medieval stone fragments at Ansley Hall. FINDSPOT MWA186 BLD Church of St Wilfred, Arley CHURCH
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MWA3936 MON Earthworks to S of Malthouse Farm, Ansley SITE MWA9180 FS Pottery and coins, Lion House, Church End, Ansley FINDSPOT MWA9483 MON Ansley Medieval Settlement SETTLEMENT MWA9484 MON Arley Medieval Settlement SETTLEMENT MWA12426 MON The Manor of Stockingford, Galley Common SETTLEMENT?, MANOR Post-Medieval MWA153 BLD Ansley Mill WATERMILL, BUILDING, MWA157 BLD Ansley Hall HOUSE MWA158 MON 'Chinese Temple' at Ansley Hall FOLLY MWA159 MON 'Hermitage' at Ansley Hall FOLLY MWA1685 BLD Church of St Peter, Galley Common, Nuneaton and Bedworth CHURCH, BUILDING MWA2427 BLD Congregational Chapel, Birmingham Road, Ansley CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL, MWA3749 MON Post Medieval Stocks at Atherstone PILLORY, STOCKS, MWA5871 MON Site of Gravel Pit N of Arley Tunnel GRAVEL PIT MWA5872 MON Site of Ansley Hall Colliery MINE, COLLIERY MWA5875 MON Site of Gravel Pit N of Arley Tunnel GRAVEL PIT MWA5878 MON Site of Clay Pit SW of Galley Common CLAY PIT MWA5879 MON Site of Tramway SW of Galley Common TRAMWAY MWA5880 MON Site of Signal Box S of Galley Common SIGNAL BOX, RAILWAY MWA5881 MON Site of Brick and Tile works S of Galley Common BRICKWORKS MWA5882 MON Site of Haunchwood Colliery S of Galley Common MINE, COLLIERY MWA6582 MON Site of Pound at Church End POUND MWA6587 MON Site of Gravel Pit at New Arley GRAVEL PIT MWA9553 FS Imperial Period Clearance Material FINDSPOT MWA12498 MON Ansley Hall Park, Ansley LANDSCAPE PARK MWA12499 MON Ansley Hall kitchen garden, Ansley KITCHEN GARDEN, GAZEBO
Archaeological Desk-based Birmingham Road, Ansley, Nuneaton, On behalf of Cartwright Homes June 2015 © 2 assessment Warwickshire
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! " #$%&' client Cartwright Homes Ltd project scale proposed residential development1 : 1250 job No Birmingham Road date 12/22 Ansley, Nuneaton Feb 2012 drawing No 19 Station Rd Tel: 01455 635665 drawing author sheet Hinckley Fax: 01455 618971 concept plan JRH A3 01 Leicestershire LE10 1AW www.hayward-architects co.uk THE COPYRIGHT OF THIS DRAWING IS VESTED IN HAYWARD ARCHITECTS LTD. REPRODUCTION IN ANY FORM, EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS FORBIDDEN WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER. DO NOT SCALE FROM DRAWING AND ONLY FIGURED DIMENSIONS ARE TO BE USED 43 47 48 42 40 41 49 38 39 44 37 35 36 50 45 46 51 23 52 24 25 33 26 34 27 28 storm water attenuation 35 approx 500m² 29 9 30 22 drainage outfall 28 10 31 32 11 8 21 7 6 20 5 19 12 4 18 13 17 32 3 16 14 27 2 15 59 34 1
new access to engineer's detail 13 (see DTA drawing No.14078-06)
new parking area created for Parish Hall Parish Hall disabled parking space
client 77 Cartwright Homes Ltd
project proposed residential development Birmingham Road B I R M I N G H A M R O A D Ansley, Nuneaton 19 Station Rd Tel: 01455 635665 Hinckley Fax: 01455 618971 drawing Leicestershire first phase plan LE10 1AW www.hayward-architects co.uk
scale sheet 1: 500 job No drawing No
author date JRH Jun 2014 A2 12/22 06
THE COPYRIGHT OF THIS DRAWING IS VESTED IN HAYWARD ARCHITECTS LTD. REPRODUCTION IN ANY FORM, EITHER IN WHOLE OR IN PART IS FORBIDDEN WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER. DO NOT SCALE FROM DRAWING AND ONLY FIGURED DIMENSIONS ARE TO BE USED