SNN116831 - HERITAGE DESK BASED ASSESSMENT LAND AT OVERSTONE LEYS NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

This desk-based assessment considers heritage resources within a study area incorporating two sites at Overstone, on the north-eastern edge of Northampton. The majority of the study area is within Daventry District, however an area of proposed road improvement at the A5076/A43 junction, lies in Northampton Borough. There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments on or particularly near the study area; the nearest is 2km away, In addition, there are no Registered Parks and Gardens or Conservation Areas on or in the vicinity of the study area. Pytchley Gates, a Grade II listed gateway to Overstone Park lies c.20m east of the main study site, Although, views locally are interrupted by tall trees, any development proposals will need to consider the setting of the gateway. Overstone Park is not a Registered Historic Park and Garden, however the Northamptonshire Historic Landscape Character Assessment identifies the park, with its deserted village of Overstone and garden remains, as an important historic landscape. Any development proposals will need to consider impacts on the setting of this historic landscape resource, The remains of a Roman settlement were partially excavated in the southern part of the site in the 1970's. In addition, researches have identified a Roman settlement site and number of isolated sites which suggest late prehistoric and Medieval/Post-Medieval activity on parts of the main site. In view of the findings of this desk-based assessment, it can be anticipated that the planning authority's archaeological advisor will require a programme of archaeological evaluation on the site.