Snells Nook Lane Loughborough Leicestershire

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK-BASED ASSESSMENT

LAND OFF SNELLS NOOK LANE LOUGHBOROUGH LEICESTERSHIRE

AUGUST 2016

Local Planning Authority: Charnwood District Council

Site centred at: SK 5046 1747

Author: Sarah Whiteley BA MCIfA

Approved by: Simon Mortimer

Report Status: Final

Issue Date:

No part of this report is to be copied in any way without prior written consent. CgMs Ref:

Every effort is made to provide detailed and accurate SM/SW/22530/01 information, however, CgMs Limited cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies within this report.

© Ordnance Survey maps reproduced with the sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office.  Licence No: AL 100014723 Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment Land at Snells Nook Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire

Contents

Executive Summary 1.0 Introduction and Scope of Study 2.0 Planning Background and Development Plan Framework 3.0 Geology and Topography 4.0 Archaeological and Historical Background, including Assessment of Significance 5.0 Site Conditions, the Proposed Development and Impact on Heritage Assets 6.0 Conclusions

Sources Consulted Appendix 1: Gazetteer of HER Data

List of Illustrations Figure 1: Site Location Figure 2: Designated Heritage Assets Figure 3: HER Monument Data Figure 4: HER Events Data Figure 5: Charnwood enclosure award map of 1829 Figure 6: 1883 1:2500 O.S. map Figure 7: 1903 1:2500 O.S. map Figure 8: 1964 1:2500 O.S. map Figure 9: 1991 1:2500 O.S. map Figure 10: Development scheme overlay

List of Plates Plate 1. View south-west from the north-eastern end of the site. Plate 2. View north-west from the north-eastern end of the site. Plate 3. View south-east from the north-eastern end of the site. Plate 4. View south-east down the public footpath which follows the line of the Charnwood Forest Canal.

Executive Summary

This archaeological desk-based assessment considers land proposed for residential development at Snells Nook Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire.

The assessment provides a description of heritage assets potentially affected by the development of the site and addresses the information requirements of Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (para 128) and Policy CS 14: ‘Heritage’ of the Charnwood Local Plan 2011 to 2028.

The assessment establishes that there are no designated heritage assets (World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered Battlefields, Registered Historic Parks or Conservation Areas) within the site, and that development of the site will not affect the significance of any designated asset in the surrounding area.

One non-designated heritage asset is recorded on the site, the Post-Medieval Charnwood Forest Canal. Sub-surface remains of the canal and its accumulated fills may survive within the study site at its north-eastern end, these would be of local interest and would not constrain development. There is no potential for any other significant archaeological features to survive within the site

The proposed development scheme shows that the area of the site which corresponds to the line of the canal will be partially built over. Any sub-surface features of the canal are likely to be robust, being substantial remains and as such would not be particularly sensitive to development within the site. Significant deposits and/or structural remains would survive post- development. They are not of an importance to preclude development and the impact could be adequately mitigated by a limited watching brief focused on works within the former canal corridor at the eastern extent of the site

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF STUDY

1.1 This archaeological desk-based assessment of land off Snells Nook Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire has been researched and prepared by CgMs Consulting on behalf of Michael Goodall Homes.

1.2 The site, also referred to as the study site, is located on the south-western edge of Loughborough, in an area called Nanpantan. The site comprises c.0.3 hectares of land centred at National Grid Reference SK 5046 1747 (Figure 1). The site lies within a triangle of land which is bounded by Snells Nook Lane to the west, by Nanpantan Road to the south and by a public footpath to the east.

1.3 This assessment has been prepared with regard to Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, to identify and provide a description of the significance of heritage assets within the site and the likely effects of proposed development. This study concentrates on identifying any archaeological interest in the site and assessing the potential impact of development on the archaeological significance of identified assets.

1.4 The assessment comprises an examination of evidence in the Leicestershire and Rutland Historic Environment Record (HER), Leicestershire Record Office and online resources. Information regarding Scheduled Monuments, Registered Parks and Gardens, Registered Battlefields and Listed Buildings was obtained from Historic England’s National Heritage List for England and information on Conservation Areas was sought from Charnwood District Council. The assessment incorporates published and unpublished material and charts historic land-use through a map regression exercise. A site inspection was undertaken on 26 July 2016.

1.5 The study provides an assessment of the archaeological potential of the site and the significance of heritage assets within and around the site. As a result, the assessment enables relevant parties to identify and assess the impact of the proposed development.

2.0 PLANNING BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN FRAMEWORK

2.1 In considering any planning application for development, the local planning authority will be guided by the policy framework set by government planning policy, by current Development Plan policy and by other material considerations.

National Planning Policy Framework 2.2 In March 2012, the Government published the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which replaces national policy relating to heritage and archaeology (Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment).

2.2.1 Section 12 of the NPPF, entitled Conserving and enhancing the historic environment provides guidance for planning authorities, property owners, developers and others on the conservation and investigation of heritage assets. Overall, the objectives of Section 12 of the NPPF can be summarised as seeking the:  Delivery of sustainable development  Understanding the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits brought by the conservation of the historic environment, and  Conservation of England's heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance.

2.2.2 Section 12 of the NPPF recognises that intelligently managed change may sometimes be necessary if heritage assets are to be maintained for the long term. Paragraph 128 states that planning decisions should be based on the significance of the heritage asset, and that the level of detail supplied by an applicant should be proportionate to the importance of the asset and should be no more than sufficient to review the potential impact of the proposal upon the significance of that asset.

2.2.3 Heritage Assets are defined in Annex 2 of the NPPF as: a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape positively identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. They include designated heritage assets (as defined in the NPPF) and assets identified by the local planning authority during the process of decision-making or through the plan-making process.

2.2.4 Annex 2 also defines Archaeological Interest as a heritage asset which holds or potentially could hold, evidence of past human activity worthy of expert investigation at some point. Heritage assets with archaeological interest are the primary source of evidence about the substance and evolution of places, and of the people and cultures that made them.

2.2.5 A Designated Heritage Asset comprises a World Heritage Site, Scheduled Monument, Listed Building, Protected Wreck Site, Registered Park and Garden, Registered Battlefield or Conservation Area.

2.2.6 Significance is defined as: The value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest. This interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. Significance derives not only from a heritage asset’s physical presence, but also from its setting.

2.2.7 In short, government policy provides a framework which:  Protects nationally important designated Heritage Assets (which include World Heritage Sites, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Protected Wreck Sites, Registered Parks and Gardens, Registered Battlefields or Conservation Areas)  Protects the settings of such designations  In appropriate circumstances seeks adequate information (from desk based assessment and field evaluation where necessary) to enable informed decisions  Provides for the excavation and investigation of sites not significant enough to merit in-situ preservation.

Local Plan 2.3 A new Local Plan for Charnwood was adopted in November 2015. It replaces the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan which was adopted in 2004. Saved polices from this Local Plan relating to archaeological and heritage issues were Policy EV/2, relating to nationally important archaeological sites, Policy EV/8 relating to Buildings of local Historic or Archaeological interest, and Policy EV/9 relating to Historic Parks and Gardens.

2.3.1 The Core Strategy document is the primary document of the Charnwood Local Plan 2011 to 2028. One policy which covers the treatment of all heritage issues, Policy CS 14: Heritage, has now superseded the above three policies.

Policy CS 14: Heritage

We will conserve and enhance our historic assets for their own value and the community, environmental and economic contribution they make. We will do this by: requiring development proposals to protect heritage assets and their setting; supporting development which prioritises the refurbishment and re-use of disused or under used buildings of historic or architectural merit or incorporates them sensitively into regeneration schemes;

working with our partners to prepare Conservation Area Character Statements, Landscape Character Assessments and Village Design Statements;

supporting developments which have been informed by and reflect Conservation Area Character Appraisals, Landscape Character Appraisals and Village Design Statements;

supporting developments which incorporate Charnwood’s distinctive local building materials and architectural details;

supporting the viable and sustainable use of heritage assets at risk of neglect or loss, providing such development is consistent with the significance of the heritage asset, especially where this supports tourism or business development;

securing improvements to the following ‘at risk’ heritage assets through our major developments: - the Temple of Venus, Garendon Park, Ashby Road, Loughborough - the Triumphal Arch, Garendon Park, Ashby Road, Loughborough - Roman villa north of Hamilton Grounds Farm, Barkby Thorpe - Garendon Park, Ashby Road, Loughborough - Shepshed Conservation Area - Taylor’s Bell Foundry, Freehold Street, Loughborough76

2.3.2 Therefore in considering the heritage implications of any planning application for development, the local planning authority will be guided by the policy framework set by government policy, and by the Charnwood Local Plan 2011 – 2028 Core Strategy Policy CS 14.

3.0 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY

3.1 Geology

3.1.1 The British Geological Survey (BGS) 1:50,000 records the bed rock geology within the the study site as Gunthorpe Mudstone. No superficial deposits are recorded (http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer_google/googleviewer.html).

3.1.2 The Soil Survey of England and Wales (SSEW) identifies the soils of the study site as belonging to the Wimple 3 (0572f). These are described as reddish fine and coarse loamy soils with slowly permeable subsoils.

3.2 Topography

3.2.1 The study site is in an area called Nanpantan, on the south-western edge of Loughborough.

3.2.2 The ground within the study site slopes gently from 105 m AOD at its western boundary to 95 m AOD at the eastern boundary. The nearest natural watercourse is the Wood Brook, some 350m to the south.

4.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, INCLUDING ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

4.1 Timescales used in this report are as follows.

Prehistoric

Palaeolithic 450,000 BC - 10,000 BC

Mesolithic 10,000 BC - 4,000 BC Neolithic 4,000 BC - 1,800 BC Bronze Age 1,800 BC - 600 BC Iron Age 600 BC - AD 43

Historic

Roman AD 43 - 410 AD Saxon/Early Medieval AD 410 - 1066 AD Medieval AD 1066 - 1485 AD Post Medieval AD 1485 - 1800 AD Modern AD 1800 - Present

4.2 Introduction

4.2.1 This chapter reviews existing archaeological evidence for the site and the archaeological / historical background of the general area, based on a consideration of evidence in the Historic England National Heritage List and the Leicestershire and Rutland Historic Environment Record (HER) for the study site and a surrounding search area (identified on Figures 2, 3 and 4), measured at 1 km from the site boundary.

4.2.2 A gazetteer of archaeological Monuments and Listed Buildings is provided in Appendix 1 and the locations of HER entries within the search area are shown on Figures 2 and 3.

4.2.3 This chapter reviews existing archaeological evidence for the site and the archaeological/historical background of the general area and, in accordance with the NPPF, considers the potential for as yet undiscovered archaeological assets on the site.

4.2.4 Chapter 5 subsequently considers the site conditions and whether the theoretical potential identified in this chapter is likely to survive.

4.3 Designated Heritage Assets

4.3.1 Data obtained from Historic England and the Local Authority confirms that there are no Designated Heritage Assets (Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Registered Battlefields or Parks and Gardens) within the study site. The study site is not within a Conservation area.

4.3.2 There are three listed buildings within the 1 km search area for the study. Holywell Farmhouse (NHLE 1361138) and an adjacent barn (NHLE 1320138) lie approximately 550m to the north-east, and Burleigh Farmhouse (NHLE 1361165) is located approximately 300m east of the site. All are listed Grade II. Garendon Park is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens (NLHE 1000379). Its southern boundary lies 1.2km north of the site. None of these buildings are sensitive to development within the site, as they are screened from it by intervening mature trees and hedgerows. They are therefore not considered further within this report.

4.3.3 There are no other designated heritage assets within the study area. A gazetteer of designated heritage assets is included in Appendix 1. Their locations are shown in Figure 2.

4.4 Non-Designated Heritage Assets and other archaeological monuments

4.4.1 The line of the 18th century Charnwood Forest canal (MLE9782) runs along the eastern boundary of the site. Construction of the canal was completed in 1796, but it had fallen out of use by 1804. This feature is considered in more detail in section 4.10. It is possible that subsurface remains of the canal and its accumulated fills may survive at the eastern end of the site.

4.4.2 A gazetteer of HER records is included in Appendix 1. Their locations are shown on Figure 3.

4.5 Previous Archaeological Investigations

4.5.1 Two archaeological events relate to the study site and its immediate environs. In 2006 John Samuels Archaeological Consultants (JSAC) undertook a desk based assessment of a 1.9ha of land Off Snells Nook Lane (JSAC 2006 report 1327/06/01, HER Event 5177).

4.5.2 In 2010 a desk-based assessment was undertaken by CgMs Consulting on 0.7 ha of land off Snells Nook Lane, which was immediately to the south of that covered by Event 5177 (CgMs 2010 11963/10/01). In addition to the above projects, Event ELE4538, relates to a desk-based assessment which was conducted in 2006 and which

focused on Holywell Park. The area covered by this research is immediately to the east of the study site, and identifies many of the HER entries which are discussed in sections 4.6 to 4.10 below.

4.5.3 Further studies occurred at a great distance from the study site. ELE7149 relates to fieldwork undertaken as part of the M1 widening programme to the west of the site, which included geo-archaeological work and LiDAR survey. This work gives a broad context for the site, but is not relevant to an assessment of the site’s specific archaeological potential. The same logic applies to the second group of desk-based assessments, watching briefs and evaluations that are focussed around Holywell Hall and the edge of Loughborough c 1km to the north-east (ELE3268, ELE5000, ELE7846, ELE79725, ELE5118 and 9171).

4.5.4 The findings of these investigations, where relevant, are discussed in more detail below.

4.6 Prehistoric

4.6.1 There are no records of any Prehistoric activity from within the study site.

4.6.2 There is only one record of finds from this period from within 1km of the study site. This is MLE20042, and is associated with Event ELE7864, archaeological evaluation undertaken in Holywell Park by University of Leicester Archaeology Service (ULAS) in 2008. The site is 775m north-east of the study site. A group of geophysical anomalies were investigated by trial trenching which revealed a small group of undated pits, one of which contained fire cracked pebbles. The features were considered to be of likely Prehistoric date.

4.6.3 On the basis of the paucity of evidence of Prehistoric activity within the search area, the study site is assessed as having a negligible potential for evidence for Prehistoric activity.

4.7 Iron Age/Roman

4.7.1 There are no records of any Iron Age/Roman activity from within the study site.

4.7.2 The only evidence of Iron Age origin is a coin found c.950m to the south-east of the study site (MLE6454).

4.7.3 Two coins of Marcus Aurelius, and a small quantity of Roman pottery (MLE645) were recovered from 600 m north of the site. A large number of Roman coins, along with a spoon and a possible Roman lead weight, are recorded from just south of Nanpantan Reservoir, approximately 600m south of the site (MLE641). Further finds of Roman

coins (small quantity) have been made by metal detectorist’s c. 740m southeast of the study site (MLE5918).

4.7.4 The records of finds of Roman material in the wider vicinity of the study site indicate that there was occupation and activity in the area although this does not seem to have been particularly intensive. Taking this in to account, along with the fact that all the recorded evidence of Iron Age/Roman finds has come from locations which are at considerable distance from the study site, it is assessed as having a negligible potential for evidence of Iron Age/Roman activity.

4.8 Saxon

4.8.1 No evidence of Saxon activity is recorded from the vicinity of the proposed redevelopment site, and no documentary or cartographic references to Nanpantan are known that pre-date the eighteenth century. The area lay within the ancient parish of Loughborough, and the earliest documentary reference to Loughborough is in the Domesday Book of 1086, in which it is noted as Lucteburne, which is taken to mean the burg or fortified place of Luhhede (domesdaybook.co.uk).

4.8.2 The absence of evidence for Saxon activity within the vicinity of the study site, suggests that it has a negligible potential for remains of Saxon date.

4.9 Medieval

4.9.1 Garendon Abbey, which lay approximately 1.3km north of the proposed redevelopment site, was established as a Cistercian monastery by Robert, Earl of Leicester, in 1133. Nichols notes that ‘some idea may be formed of the comfortable situation of the monks of Garendon, from the number of the Granges with which they may be said to have been surrounded’, and he lists nine granges in Leicestershire from a Cartulary of the early twelfth century, which includes ‘unam vaccariam que vocatur Haliwell’ which is believed to refer to the site of the Holywell Hall. The current Holywell Hall comprises Medieval elements to the main house (MLE13425), the remains of a moat (MLE636), and a Medieval barn (MLE639, MLE13426). There is documentary evidence to suggest that there was also a Medieval chapel at Holywell although this has not been confirmed (MLE648). The Medieval remains lie approximately 550m north-east of the proposed redevelopment site (CgMs 2010).

4.9.2 Burleigh Park, to the north-east of the study site, was in existence as a deer park by 1330 and remained in use until 1641 (MLE594). The south-western edge of Burleigh Wood retains a well-preserved section of the great bank which anciently enclosed the park. The edge of Burleigh Wood is located approximately 180m north-east of the

proposed development site, indicating that the latter lay outside the Medieval deer park (CgMs 2010).

4.9.3 A second Medieval deer park, Loughborough Park (MLE619) is known to have been located to the south-east of the study site. The park was in existence by 1230 when there are records of a gift of deer being made to stock it. It is also known that rabbit warrens were constructed within the park in the 15th century.

4.9.4 There is evidence to suggest that the proposed redevelopment site lay in Charnwood Forest. Although Charnwood appears never to have been a royal forest, it was subject to some aspects of forest administration, and it is possible that it was a royal hunting ground during the Saxon period. A perambulation of 1289 enumerates areas of woodland, including one at Loughborough with the same dimensions as the woodland noted in Domesday Book, and it is considered likely that this represents The Outwoods, recorded by name from c. 1343. Since The Outwoods appears to have formed part of the forest’s eastern boundary, the proposed redevelopment site, which lies to the west, is likely to have been located within Charnwood Forest. This does not necessarily indicate that it was thickly wooded during the Medieval period since the majority of the forest is likely to have formed wood pasture and heath, and apart from its value for hunting, game and rabbit warrens, Charnwood is likely to have been of use for the extraction of timber and stone, and for grazing. It is therefore likely that the proposed redevelopment site formed wood pasture or grazing land during the Medieval period (CgMs 2010).

4.9.5 A ditch known as the Earl’s Dyke ran through part of the Forest, and it is considered that it denoted the boundary of the hunting areas of local feudal lords during the Medieval period (MLE9791). Potter conjectures that it served ‘the double purpose of a well-defined boundary and mutual deer fence between the Earls of Leicester and Chester’. Its position is indicated on the Charnwood Enclosure Map of 1829, on a line followed by the later Borough boundary from which it appears to have run approximately 100m south of the proposed redevelopment site (CgMs 2010).

4.9.6 The information in archival sources, coupled with the proximity of the Earls Dyke to the study site, would strongly indicate that it was part of Charnwood Forest during the Medieval period. Charnwood Forest would have been exploited for hunting and the grazing of domestic animals during this period. On this basis the site is assessed as having negligible potential for significant remains of Medieval origin.

4.10 Post-Medieval & Modern (including map regression)

4.10.1 The Leicestershire and Rutland HER contains six records of features of Post Medieval or Modern date. MLE9782 relates to the line of the Charnwood Forest Canal which partially corresponds to the eastern end of the development site, with the line of the southern embankment of the canal running under part of a house, garage and garden area (Figure 10).

4.10.2 In 1791 the Leicester Canal Company was formed to extend the existing canal from Loughborough and Leicester with the intention of improving movement of goods and materials (coal and quarried stone) within the area. The route would consist of canals, roads and wagon ways. The Leicester Canal and the Charnwood Forest Branch both opened in 1794 (MLE9782, MLE16031). The latter consisted of a rail connection rising 170′ between Loughborough Wharf and Nanpantan, where the level canal began. The canal ran to the north-west of Osgathorpe, with lengths of railway to Swannington and Coleorton. Operation of the route was problematic however as the line was unfit for regular traffic due to water shortages, although the reservoir at Blackbrook (c.4.5km to the west), opened in 1797, overcame this problem. However, the triple handling of goods necessitated by the manner in which the project was designed, made its use uneconomic. When the reservoir burst its banks in 1798, there was no question of the line being restored to a useable condition (CgMs 2010).

4.10.3 The canal company had taken up the rails and sleepers from the tramway sections of the Charnwood Forest Canal in 1820, and they let the land along the canal from 1826. Although the company considered various schemes, including its conversion into a railway line, none was considered economic, and they sold the rails in 1836, and attempted to sell the land in the same year. Writing in 1842, Potter stated that ‘it is now a dry and unsightly cutting’ which ‘detracts much from the beauty and value of the several estates through which it passes’ . A plan was drawn up in 1848, depicting the line which shows that the land either side of the line in the vicinity of the proposed redevelopment site was at that date in the ownership of Miss Mary Tate, presumably a descendent of the George Tate who had been granted the site at enclosure. An Act of Parliament of the same year finally enabled its disposal, and the line was sold to the adjoining owners (CgMs 2010).

4.10.4 MLE16031 relates to the line of the wagon way which was opened in 1789 to connect the Loughborough and Charnwood Forest canals. The line of this route would have started at a point some 250m to the south-east of the study site. The canal had fallen out of use by 1804 and presumably the wagon way was dismantled around this time as well. Only two examples of the edge rails are known to have survived.

4.10.5 The earliest map to show the site in any detail is the Enclosure Map of 1829 (CRO ref QS 47/2/4 Figure 5). Map 2 of the Enclosure maps shows the majority of the proposed redevelopment site as part of a field granted to George Tate (ref 1139). Part of the easternmost section of the Charnwood Forest Canal also formed part of the site, in the ownership of the Leicester Canal Company (ref 1131a).

4.10.6 The Ordnance Survey First Edition 25″ map of 1883 shows clear detail of the canal, with the tow path on the north-eastern edge of the canal. The canal is shown as having silted up by that date, but otherwise no development had taken place within the proposed redevelopment site (Figure 6).

4.10.7 The Ordnance Survey 25″ map of 1903 shows no changes within the proposed redevelopment site, except that by this date the canal bed appears to have naturally silted up completely (Figure 7).

4.10.8 The Priory Hotel (MLE17093), which stands north of the junction of Snells Nook Lane and Nanpantan Road, was erected in the early 1920s. During the 1930s, ‘ribbon’ development was built along Nanpantan Road, and a number of dwellings were constructed along the eastern side of Snells Nook Lane. Further housing was constructed in the 1950s, with the study site being shown as a discrete area on the 1964 1:2500 O.S. map (Figure 8) and the development at Longcliffe Gardens was constructed in the 1970s.

4.10.9 The 1991 1:2500 O.S map (Figure 9) indicates that fragmentary remains of the canal still survived at that time at the eastern end of the study site. Following the site inspection for the JSAC desk based assessment in 2006 it was reported that earthwork remains of the canal still survived in the north-eastern sector of the wider study site, which would have included the present study site.

4.10.10 The site was visited on 26th July 2016 as part of the preparation of this report. No earthworks were observed at the north-eastern end of the study however the former garden area been topsoil stripped and cleared of vegetation (Plates 1-4). Though any surface remains have been removed from the site, it is possible that the cut of the canal and its accumulated fills may survive buried within the site.. It is considered therefore that the potential for the site to contain remains of the Charnwood Canal is high.

4.11 Assessment of Significance

4.11.1 There are no designated heritage assets within the study site. Development will not affect the significance of any designated heritage assets in the vicinity.

4.11.2 There is one non-designated heritage asset within the study site, the line of the Charnwood Forest Canal (MLE 9782). This feature would be considered to be of local importance. The significance of the remains of the canal is vested in their historic and evidential value and, coupled with sound archival information about the development of the canal, its contribution to our understanding of past communications and economy in the region.

4.11.3 This assessment has also considered the potential for other, as-yet to be discovered, archaeological assets within the site. It has established that the site has a low potential for evidence significant activity of all periods, with the exception of evidence for the canal.

5.0 SITE CONDITIONS, THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT & IMPACT ON HERITAGE ASSETS

5.1 Site Conditions

5.1.1 A site visit was made on 26th July 2016 (Plates 1-4). The whole plot was accessible, the immediate area of the modern bungalow at the south-western end of the site was not inspected in detail however.

5.1.2 The study site consists of a linear plot of land with a 1950/60s bungalow at its western end. The land slopes gently down from Snells Nook Lane to the eastern boundary of the study site, beyond which is a public footpath. Beyond the south-eastern boundary of the site is the modern housing development of Foden Close. To the north is new housing development which is under construction.

5.1.3 The site had clearly been soil stripped relatively recently (Plate 1) and mature trees, hedgerows and other vegetation cleared (Plate 2). Any earthwork remains of the Charnwood Forest Canal had been removed though a faint depression can be seen when looking to the south-east across the eastern end of the site (Plate 3). A narrow track, which is a public footpath, runs around the eastern boundaries of the properties on Snells Nook Lane (Plate 4). This appears to follow the former tow path of the canal, with the line of the canal bed to south within the gardens of these properties. The footpath is screened from the properties by high fences and hedgerows and it was not possible to assess whether or not earthwork remains of the canal survived at other locations in the area.

5.1.4 Recent groundworks within the study will have had an impact on the potential for the survival of any subsurface archaeological remains within the study site. Soil stripping will have removed all but the most robust of features in this instance – though it is probable that the cut of the canal may still survive below ground.

5.2 The Proposed Development

5.2.1 A planning application has been submitted for the erection of 6 dwellings within the site, with associated infrastructure and landscaping (Figure 10).

5.3 Impact on Heritage Assets

5.3.1 There are no designated heritage assets within the study site. No potential impacts upon any designated heritage assets in the vicinity of the study site have been identified.

5.3.2 This assessment has established that the proposed development site has a negligible potential to contain evidence for significant archaeological activity of all periods, with the exception of remains of the canal. Limited evidence of the remains of the Charnwood Forest Canal may survive as subsurface features within the site (Plate 3). These features are likely to be robust, being substantial remains and as such would not be particularly sensitive to development within the site. Significant deposits and/or structural remains would survive post-development. They are not of an importance to preclude development and the impact could be adequately mitigated by a limited watching brief focused on works within the former canal corridor at the eastern extent of the site.

6.0 CONCLUSIONS

6.1 This archaeological desk-based assessment draws together the available archaeological, historic, topographic and land-use information in order to clarify the heritage significance and archaeological potential of land proposed for development off Snells Nook Lane, Loughborough.

6.2 It addresses the information requirements set out in Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, para 128).

6.3 The assessment has established that there are no designated heritage assets within the study site. No potential impacts on any designated heritage asset in the wider vicinity of the study site have been identified.

6.4 One non-designated heritage asset is recorded on the eastern edge of the site, the Post-Medieval Charnwood Forest Canal. Earthwork remains of this feature were recorded to survive in the vicinity of the study site in 2006, however subsequent groundworks on the study site will have removed any such surface evidence. There is a possibility that subsurface remains of the canal and its accumulated fills may survive within the site.

6.5 Archaeological and historical information from the area surrounding the study site indicates that it has a negligible potential for evidence of significant i.e. non- agricultural, evidence of most periods to survive on the site and high potential for the survival of Post Medieval/Modern remains as sub-surface features.

6.6 The proposed development scheme shows that the area of the site which corresponds to the line of the canal will be partially built over, with remaining land being developed as gardens (Figure 10). Any sub-surface features of the canal are likely to be robust, being substantial remains and as such would not be particularly sensitive to development within the site. Significant deposits and/or structural remains would survive post-development. They are not of an importance to preclude development and the impact could be adequately mitigated by a limited watching brief focused on works within the former canal corridor at the eastern extent of the site

SOURCES

General Historic England National Heritage List for England (http://historicengland.org.uk/Listing) Heritage Gateway (www.heritagegateway.org.uk) Leicestershire and Rutland Historic Environment Record (HER) Charnwood District Council domesdaybook.co.uk

Bibliographic DCMS, 2010. Scheduled Monuments & national important but non-scheduled monuments. October 2013. English Heritage, 2008. Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment. SOIL SURVEY, 1983 Soil survey of England and Wales, Soil Map 1:250,000 Sheet 4 CgMs Consulting 2010 Archaeological deskbased assessment, Land at Snellsnook Lane, Nanpantan, Loughborough (CgMs 11963/10/01) JSAC 2006 Archaeological deskbased assessment, Land at Snellsnook Lane, Nanpantan, Loughborough (JSAC 1374/06/01).

Cartographic 1754 Wilde’s plan of Charnwood Forest 1777 John Prior’s map of Leicestershire 1806 King's Map of Leicestershire 1829 Charnwood Forest Enclosure Map (CRO ref QS 47/2/4) 1848 Map of Charnwood Forest Canal (CRO ref 3D 42/M25)

Ordnance Survey one inch editions of 1835 Ordnance Survey Twenty-five inch edition of 1883, 1903, 1921 Ordnance Survey 1:2500 editions: 1964, 1991 Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 / 1:10,560 editions: 1955, 1966, 1975, 1998

Plate 1. View south-west from the north-eastern end of the site.

Plate 2. View north-west from the north-eastern end of the site.

Plate 3. View south-east from the north-eastern end of the site – showing possible profile of canal bed.

Plate 4. View south-east down the public footpath which follows the line of the Charnwood Forest Canal.

APPENDIX 1: GAZETTEER OF HER DATA

HER Name & Description Location Date Number MLE594 Burley Park SK 514 184 Medieval A later medieval deer park, probably emparked around 1300 on the edge of Loughborough manor, first mentioned in 1330, suggested date of disparkment c. 1550 MLE619 Loughborough Park SK 520 169 Medieval The park was created in around 1230 when a gift of deer was made to stock it. By 1483 a warren of conies had been established. It was disparked prior to 1614 MLE636 Medieval moat at Holywell Hall SK 507 179 Medieval The house was originally surrounded by a moat, Two sides were infilled c.1959 and other parts obscured MLE638 Possible chapel site, Holywell Hall SK 507 179 Medieval In 1326 the Abbot of Rowcester obtained leave to remove the chapel of Haliwell - possibly Holywell. There is some question over whether the chapel was on this site MLE641 Roman site north of Buckhill Lodge SK 508 170 Roman Large quantities of Roman coins, pottery, a spoon and a possible Roman lead weight found here in the 1980s indicated occupation MLE645 Roman site west of Holywell Hall SK 503 180 Roman Two coins of Marcus Aurelius were found in the 1980s. Pottery and tile were also found. MLE5918 Roman finds from south of Parks Farm SK 511 168 Roman During metal detecting some Roman coins and a plug of bronze were recovered MLE6454 Iron Age coin from south of Parks Farm SK 513 169 Late Iron Age A gold stater of the Corieltavi was found here in the 1980s MLE9782 Charnwood Forest Canal SK 46 18 Late Post The canal was finished in 1796, and had fallen out of use by 1804 Medieval when the dam was dismantled and the reservoir emptied MLE9791 Medieval boundary ditch, Earl's Dyke SK 48 15 Early The route is shown on an Estate Map of 1829 Medieval to Late Post Medieval MLE16031 Loughborough to Nanpantan wagonway SK 523 184 Late Post In 1789 the wagonway opened to connect the Loughborough and Medieval Charnwood Forest canals. The canal had fallen out of use by 1804 and presumably the wagonway was dismantled around this time as well. Only two examples of the edge rails are known to have survived MLE16812 Geophysical anomalies west of Holywell County Primary SK 511 179 Unknown School MLE16834 Features at Holywell Park, New Ashby Road SK 504 183 Unknown Geophysical survey in 2007 recorded cut features of possible archaeological origin and positive anomalies that may be pits across the area MLE17093 The Priory Hotel, Nanpantan Road SK 505 173 Modern The Priory Hotel is not on 1938 maps but is on the 1962 map MLE17869 Earthworks west of Nanpantan SK 500 173 Unknown Substantial ditch running roughly north/south with a diagonal ditch joining it towards its southern end. It could be related to drainage or to the Charnwood Forest Canal MLE17964 War memorial, St Mary's church, Nanpantan SK 503 171 Modern War memorial, erected 1922 MLE20042 Possible prehistoric activity at Holywell Park SK 511 178 Late In 2008, a group of anomalies identified by previous geophysical Prehistoric survey were investigated by evaluation MLE20043 Charcoal burning clamps at Holywell Park SK 512 180 Post Medieval During evaluation in 2008, three charcoal burning clamps were uncovered MLE21691 Boundary ditch, Burleigh Wood/Burleigh Brook SK 503 179 Early It is on the line of a parish boundary shown on the late C19th OS Medieval to map Late Post Medieval MLE22493 Medieval garden, Holywell Hall SK 507 180 Medieval Fieldwork in 1989 investigated a series of earthworks to the north of the moat. Saxon pottery recovered and sherds of Medieval pottery MLE22494 Saxon pottery from north of Holywell Hall SK 507 1480 Saxon

Fieldwork in 1989 recovered 5 sherds of Saxon pottery Listed Buildings Grade II MLE13425 HOLYWELL FARMHOUSE, ASHBY ROAD (SOUTH SIDE), SK 507 179 LOUGHBOROUGH MLE13426 OUTBUILDING TO HOLYWELL FARM, ASHBY ROAD (SOUTH SK 507 179 SIDE), LOUGHBOROUGH MLE13448 BURLEIGH FARMHOUSE, NANPANTAN ROAD (NORTH SIDE), SK 508 174 LOUGHBOROUGH Event/Activity Full Report ELE3268 1989 trial trenching and EDM survey, Holywell Hall (now SK 508 181 Farm) ELE4538 2006 An archaeological desk-based assessment for a SK 503 179 proposed development at Holywell Park, Loughborough University ELE5000 2007 Geophysical survey report: Loughborough University SK 512 179 ELE5118 2007 Geophysical survey report, Holywell Park, Ashby SK 506 184 Road, Loughborough ELE5177 2006 An archaeological desk-based assessment of land off SK 504 174 Snells Nook Lane, Nanpantan ELE6371 1993 An archaeological evaluation at the Severn Trent SK 509 171 Water treatment Plant, Nanpanton ELE7149 2007 geoarchaeological assessment: M1 widening SK 467 240 Junctions 24-25 ELE7150 2007 LIDAR analysis, M1 Junction 21-30 widening SK 485 151 ELE7864 2008 An archaeological evaluation of land adjacent to SK 512 179 Holywell Park, Loughborough University ELE7975 2011 Historic building assessment of a cruck-framed SK 507 179 agricultural building at Holywell Farm, Loughborough ELE9171 2013 trial trenching at the Science and Enterprise Park, SK 506 184 Ashby Road, Loughborough