The assessment comprised a Historic Environment DeskBased Assessment (DBA) undertaken in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Standard and guidance for historic environment deskbased assessment. The study considered the proposed development area and a 250/m study area. Baseline data were gathered through consultation of the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) for designated heritage assets and the Merseyside Historic Environment Record (HER) for nondesignated assets and previous archaeological events. Additional sources included historic Ordnance Survey mapping, preOrdnance Survey maps, documentary sources, published secondary material, aerial imagery, LiDAR data, British Geological Survey records, and relevant planning policy and guidance. A site walkover was undertaken to assess current site conditions, asset settings, and potential previously unrecorded heritage features. The collected data were used to assess archaeological potential, asset significance, and the likely impacts of the proposed development, forming the basis for proportionate recommendations for further archaeological mitigation where appropriate. The proposed development lies partly within the Rodney Street Conservation Area (MM021), and the Grade II listed Walls, Railings and Gates to St James Churchyard (MM009) are located within the development area. A total of 19 designated heritage assets are identified within the 250/m study area, including the Grade I listed St Jamess Gardens (MM001), the Grade I listed Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ (MM002), and the Grade II* listed Church of St James (MM003). A formal preapplication response from Liverpool City Council (Ref. 0103/22), received on 14 May 2024, confirmed that the proposed development would not result in significant impacts to any designated heritage assets. Five nondesignated heritage assets are located within the proposed development area. These comprise the site of the medieval Toxteth Park deer park (MM030), the Central to Brunswick Railway (MM092), the site of St Jamess Railway Station (MM096), the site of a Welsh Baptist chapel (MM076), and the site of No. 1 Upper Parliament Street (MM042). A further 89 nondesignated heritage assets are recorded within the surrounding 250/m study area. The proposed development would result in a direct physical impact on the site of the former St Jamess Railway Station (MM096). Consequently, the surviving remains of the station and associated historic railway infrastructure should be subject to a programme of historic building recording, to be defined within a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) or Project Design agreed with the Liverpool City Council Conservation Officer and the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service (MEAS) Planning Archaeologist. The assessment has identified a moderate to high potential for the survival of postmedieval and modern archaeological remains across parts of the proposed development area. In particular, the proposed construction compound occupies an area shown by historic mapping to have been previously undeveloped, indicating a high potential for the survival of postmedieval and modern domestic infrastructure remains. It is therefore recommended that any future Ground Investigation (GI) results are used to inform the requirement for, and scope of, further archaeological mitigation. Consultation should be undertaken with MEAS following completion of the GI to agree whether targeted archaeological works are required in advance of, or during, construction. Should further archaeological work be necessary, a WSI will be produced and agreed in advance with the MEAS Planning Archaeologist.
Chester et al. (Mon,) studied this question.