This Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment (DBA) was undertaken in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists' (CIfA) Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment and relevant Historic England good practice guidance. A study area of 1km for designated heritage assets and 750m for non-designated heritage assets was defined to provide a proportionate understanding of the historic environment context. Baseline data were collected through consultation of the National Heritage List for England (NHLE), the Lancashire Historic Environment Record (HER), published and unpublished archaeological sources, historic mapping (including Ordnance Survey and pre-OS material), LiDAR data, aerial imagery, geological information, and local and national planning policy. The assessment identifies known and potential heritage assets, evaluates archaeological potential by period, and considers the significance of affected heritage assets and their settings. Potential impacts arising from the proposed development were assessed following Historic England guidance, with regard to the avoidance, minimisation and mitigation of harm, and informing proportionate recommendations for further archaeological works where appropriate. There are no designated heritage assets within the proposed development. One designated heritage asset lies within the 1km study area, the Grade II listed Church of St Paul (NHLE 1073032), located approximately 690m to the south; due to this distance and its existing suburban context, no significant effect on the asset is anticipated. There are no nondesignated heritage assets within the site; however, the Preston and Wigan Railway (North Union Railway) (PRN10613) runs adjacent, and a small area of ridge and furrow (MM07) was identified within the site through LiDAR analysis. The site has remained predominantly agricultural throughout its history, with no recorded prehistoric, Roman, early medieval or medieval heritage assets. Postmedieval activity in the surrounding landscape included changes in agricultural practice, nearby farmsteads, ridge and furrow, and marl pits. During the industrial period, the site was bounded by major railway infrastructure associated with regional industrialisation, though industrial development did not extend into the site itself. In the modern period, the land remained in agricultural use as unmanaged grassland, with a pylon installed on the northwestern edge between 2007 and 2009. Archaeological potential is assessed as moderate for the postmedieval period, lowmoderate for the industrial period, and low for all other periods, with any surviving remains likely to be of low significance. It is recommended that borehole logs from any future intrusive ground investigation works are reviewed by a heritage consultant, with subsequent consultation with the Lancashire County Council Historic Environment Team to determine the need, if any, for targeted archaeological works and the preparation of a Written Scheme of Investigation.
Jemma Moorhouse (Wed,) studied this question.