Archaeology
An archaeological desk-based assessment has been carried out which confirms that there are no Scheduled Monuments located within the site and none outside the site are assessed as sensitive to the proposed development.
The Leicestershire HER records the findspots of Prehistoric flint at a quantity suggesting this could be associated with work zone activity or Later Prehistoric settlement activity. Based on this, the site’s potential to contain further Prehistoric evidence, most likely as lithics similar to the ones already recorded, is assessed to be high. Further finds within the site include Prehistoric, Medieval and Post-Medieval pottery as well as a scatter of iron slag.
Based on the available archaeological data for the site and surrounding areas, the potential for significant (i.e. non-agricultural) Roman remains is unknown but probably low. The potential for remains of all other periods is considered to be low/negligible.
There is no suggestion that there will be a constraint to development based on archaeological potential within the study site, but there will likely be a requirement for further archaeological work to further assess this potential.
Heritage
The Built Heritage Statement identifies no designated or non-designated built heritage assets located within the site. A total of two Listed Buildings and ten non-designated built heritage assets are located within a 1km search radius around the site, but the significance of these heritage assets is not considered sensitive to the development of the site. Additionally, the Statement considers and advances the assessment of one Listed Building (Mount St Bernard Abbey, Grade II, List no. 1074164) located outside of the search area. The assessment concludes that the site comprises a neutral element within the setting of Mount St Bernard Abbey, whereby it makes no contribution to the significance of this Listed Building. The proposed development will be seen within the context of the existing built development of Whitwick, and this will not affect how the significance of Mount St Bernard Abbey is appreciated or understood. Consequently, the proposals will cause no harm to the significance of any other designated and non-designated heritage assets.
A plan showing designated heritage assets in the vicinity of the site. Click to enlarge.
A plan showing non-designated heritage assets in the vicinity of the site. Click to enlarge.
Other technical considerations
A full suite of technical studies and assessments are being undertaken to inform the outline proposals. These include highways, flooding and drainage, ecology, heritage and archaeology, noise and air quality, utilities, land quality and ground conditions, and many more. The results of these studies will be reviewed and considered as plans progress and will be submitted as part of the planning application. It is, however, not anticipated that there will be any significant technical constraints to delivering a high quality, sustainable development at this site.