Site Event/Activity record ECH6677 - Dorfold Hall, Chester Road, Nantwich, CW5 8LD: Archaeological Assessment

In 2016, an archaeological assessment and field visits were undertaken for four sites (area 1a, 1b, 2 and 3), located in and around Dorfold Hall, Acton, Cheshire, in advance of proposed development. Areas 1a and 1b are located within the grounds of Dorfold Hall itself (1a within the former kitchen garden and 1b within the former stable block); the development proposals include small-scale commercial businesses and use as a wedding venue. Area 2, a plot consisting of grassed fields, circa 4.4ha in area, is located to the east of Chester Road and would be developed for minimal leisure use. Area 3, an L-shaped crop field, circa 3.0ha in area, lies west of Chester road and has the potential for a housing development of around 70 houses. The archaeological assessment has identified a range of potential statutory and non-statutory constraints to development in all four assessment areas. It is therefore recommended that a detailed development proposal be established and utilised to produce a Setting of Heritage Assets report. This should asess the impact of the individual proposals on the Registered Park and Garden of Dorfold Hall, Acton Conservation Area, Registered Battlefield of Nantwich, Dodcott cum Wilkesley and Acton Historic Townships, Historic Landscape Character Areas, as well as the Listed Buildings within 100.0m, and the Scheduled Ancient Monuments within 500.0m, of each assessment area. This report would require detailed information regarding layout, size and materials of the proposed developments and should be undertaken prior to any application for planning permission. (1)