Desk Based Assessment at Land at north of st albarns

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 the site. The study site contains no known non-designated heritage assets, however, there is potential for previously unrecorded buried remains. Based on an assessment of available evidence there is considered to be low-medium potential for prehistoric and Romano-British sub-surface archaeological evidence within the study site. There is considered low potential for significant remains from all other periods. The Cultural Heritage ES Chapter will consider the significance of the below ground archaeological resource based on the results of further fieldwork and assess the impact of the proposed development. There are no designated archaeological assets within or immediately adjacent to the study site. The assessment has considered the setting of two scheduled monuments, twenty listed buildings and one conservation area within the wider study area. The effects of the proposed development on the following designated heritage assets are considered to be non-material in that it would not result in a change to their significance: Childwickbury Conservation Area, Sandridge Conservation Area, Batch Wood, Moated Manorial Site (NHLE 1012407); Iron Age territorial boundary known as Beech Bottom Dyke (NHLE 1019136); ten Grade II listed buildings at Childwick Green, Grade II listed Childwick Bury House and seven associated listed buildings and the St Albans Conservation Area. The study site makes a negligible-minor contribution to the significance/experience of the two Grade II listed buildings at Sandridgebury. This relates to the south-west corner of the study site which forms part of the distant skyline when experiencing these assets from Sandridgebury Lane. Preservation of the setting of these assets can be achieved through consideration of the treatment (height and density) of the proposed development in the south-east part of the study site and the introduction of screening along the eastern boundary.