Source/Archive record SCH5173 - Dunham Tank to Knutsford Pipeline, Cheshire. Desk-Based Assessment and Walkover Survey Report

Following proposals by United Utilities for the construction of a new water main from Knutsford Waterworks to Dunham reservoir an archaeological desk based assessment and walkover survey was carried out by Oxford Archaeology North. In total 139 sites of archaeological interest were identified within the study area during the desk based assessment and all had been previously recorded in either the Cheshire or the Greater Manchester HER. A walkover survey was also commissioned to compliment the desk based assessment but no additional sites were identified. If the pipeline remains within the confines of the proposed route, then 34 of the sites in the study area have the potential to be affected by the groundworks. Therefore it is recommended that a permanent presence watching brief should be maintained during all ground disturbing activities on the line of Site 130, the Roman road ( the modern Chester Road). This would ensure that no Hitherto buried features or artefacts of significance are lost during groundwork's. In addition, Site 44, a historic field and former farmhouse will require a trial trench. No other sites require archaeological investigation, whilst the pipeline remains within the highway. Needless to say, the laying of pipeline within adjacent fields would then require a significant revision of these recommendations.