Site Event/Activity record ECH6548 - 4ZE Capenhurst-Frodsham Overhead Line Refurbishment: Archaeological Constraints Summary and Written Scheme of Investigation

Report produced for the purpose of setting out appropriate methods of mitigation relating to the historic environment as a result of refurbishment of the 4ZE Capenhurst-Frodsham overhead line by Babcock International Group. This work is being undertaken on behalf of National Grid. The proposed refurbishment works are for ‘maintenance works’ and as such can normally be undertaken without the need for a specific grant of planning permission. There are still legal obligations to statutorily protected sites (such as scheduled monuments and listed buildings) and a statutory duty under Section 38 and Schedule 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to have regard to the desirability of protecting buildings and other objects of architectural, historic or archaeological interest. Due to the minimal disturbance and impact expected as a result of the proposed maintenance works to take place on the 4ZE overhead line, only small areas will require archaeological mitigation. The route of the OHL runs through a landscape with relatively sparse records of archaeological remains. Those remains which have been identified in the Level 1 and Level 2 reports produced in 2015 (see ECH6547) are primarily the result of modern industrial, military and agricultural activity and include the Shropshire Union Canal (HER MCH18836), the former Royal Ordnance Factory at Capenhurst (HER MCH9838) and the former Dunham on the Hill Ammunition Store (HER MCH9985). A potential need for archaeological monitoring of intrusive works has been identified at two locations; these mitigation measures are recommended because there is potential for as yet unknown archaeological remains associated with the moated sites at Elton (SM 1012122) and Capenhurst (MCH1631, MCH1632). (1)