Site Event/Activity record ECH6417 - Former Council Offices, Watling Street, Northwich: Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

Desk Based Assessment produced in April 2017 to support an application for planning permission for the demolition of the former council offices and redevelopment of the proposal site with the erection of residential apartments, associated landscaping and car parking. The proposal site is situated on Watling Street, Northwich and is situated within the Northwich Conservation Area. The site has also been identified as an Area of Archaeological Potential, and it was formerly occupied by the Baron’s Croft Salt works. An excavation to the east of the study area, undertaken in 2013, revealed some archaeological remains of the former salt works, although they were in poor condition and had been subject to a high level of disturbance (ECH 5615). There are no known sites of Prehistoric, Roman or Anglo Saxon date recorded by the HER within the proposal site. The potential for finding remains dating to these periods is very low due to later developments. Cartographic evidence shows that from at least the 19th century and potentially before, the site was occupied by substantial salt works, recorded in the HER (2515/16/3). Due to later development of the site there is a very low level of potential for locally significant remains of this post medieval industrial activity in the areas where 1960s development has taken place. There is a slightly higher level of potential in areas that are hardscaped only. (1)