Site Event/Activity record ECH6132 - Land Northwest of Balderton, Chester: Geophysical Survey Report

Wardell Armstrong Archaeology were commissioned to do a geophysical survey on land to the northwest of Balderton, Chester, to provide information in relation to a planning application for a new solar development. The survey occurred between 28th September and 2nd October 2015. The proposed development site lies within agricultural land; the site area totals approximately 12.38ha. There is just one non-designated heritage asset recorded within the site boundary, this is the site of a bombing decoy of WWII date. However it was recognised that there was potential for other archaeological remains to survive. Geomagnetic survey was undertaken over the majority of the site which comprised ploughed arable land at time of the survey. The vast majority of the anomalies detected are believed to be agricultural in origin, including evidence of former ridge and furrow cultivation and a possible land drain or service pipe. Also, three former field ponds/marl pits were recorded, it is thought that they were backfilled in the early 20th century. The results of the geophysical survey suggest that the land has not been intensively occupied in the past other than for agricultural purposes. Two other anomalies at the centre of the survey area were detected, it is possible that one of these could relate to the remains of the WWII bombing decoy. (1)