Site Event/Activity record ECH6358 - Cultural Heritage Assessment for Rudheath Lodge Mineral Extraction and Restoration

cultural heritage deskbased assessment and site visit for proposed silica sand extraction and related development at Rudheath Lodge, Allostock and Cranage, Cheshire. The nature of mineral extraction is such that it result in the total loss of any archaeological resource which is present. Other than an historic parish boundary (now ploughed level), there is no evidence of archaeology within the PDA and a lack of archaeological sites or finds within 1km would suggest that the potential for archaeology is low-very low. Land-use through the ages has not been attractive to settlement. The boundary between the ancient parishes of Sandbach and Great Budworth crosses the site and is still the boundary between Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester. There is no physical evidence for this on the ground, the last fragment of the boundary having been removed between the wars. Despite this, discussions with the County Archaeological Service, advisers to the Mineral Planning Authority, have led to Sibelco offering to implement a mitigation scheme on a precautionary basis. This will include a watching brief during groundworks along the line of the ancient boundary.