Site Event/Activity record ECH4184 - Northwich Vision; Built Environment Assessment

The built environment assessment concluded that both route options currently being put forward would be entirely contained within the Northwich Conservation Area. Both would be likely to have an adverse impact on the conservation area through the demolition of standing buildings within it and changes to its wider integrity and setting. However, the boundary of hte conservation area, particularly west of hte river, has been shown to have no rational foundation. Moreover, much of the built environment contained within it has been denuded of its historic fabric through piecemeal demolition and redevelopment over the last 25 years. No regionally or nationally important standing buildings will be directly affected by either of the two routes currently under consideration. However, two Grade II listed buildings may be indirectly affected through changes to their settings. Although the built environment adjacent to the west end of the town bridge will be adversely affected by the demolition of contemporary structures, the reduction in the flow of traffic crossing it will potentially have a net beneficial impact on it, both in terms of its long term presentation and its presentation to the public. Overall, the scale of impact is likely to be comparatively minor. (1)