SNN116952 - 71-77B Abington Street, Northampton, Archaeoligcal Desk Based Assessment

AOC Archaeology Group was commissioned by LDI Northampton (Development) Limited to undertake an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment for 71-77B Abington Street, Northampton. The Site lies within the local authority administrative area of Northampton Borough Council. Archaeological and historical evidence indicates that the Site was located within the medieval walls of Northampton (Site 8), to the south of Whitefriars friary (Site 9) on a medieval street, Abington Street (Site 25). It is likely that the Site was residential in nature, being located around medieval tenements. Historic cartography indicates that the Site was occupied by Notre Dame Convent and School (Site 56) from at least 1880 until 1979, when the building was demolished. In the late 20th century, the extant structure and car park were constructed on the Site. This assessment has identified eleven archaeological features within the site boundary. The assessment has judged that there is a Low potential for prehistoric and Roman remains due to the scarcity of known remains of this age in the vicinity; a Medium potential for medieval remains due to the age of Abington Street (Site 25) and the proximity of a medieval priory (Site 9); and a High potential for post-medieval and modern archaeology to survive on the Site due to the presence of Notre Dame Convent and School (Site 56). The exact scope and extent of any programme of archaeological works required should be agreed in advance with the archaeological advisor to Northamptonshire County Council. The programme of work may include an archaeological watching brief during ground breaking works due to the minimal ground disturbance to the rear of the Site associated with the proposed development. If significant archaeological remains were encountered then further archaeological fieldwork, post-excavation analysis and reporting, including publication may also be required. Any such requirement will be determined by the Northamptonshire County Archaeological Advisor acting as archaeological advisor to Northampton Borough Council. Impacts on the settings of designated heritage assets, including Listed Buildings, within 100m of the Site have been considered. It is likely that the proposed development would have no effect on the settings of designated heritage assets in the surrounding area due to the character of the Abington Street and the surrounding townscape. As no material impacts upon settings are predicted, no mitigation for indirect effects is considered necessary. The assessment has identified for a positive impact upon the settings of Northampton Central Library (Site 5).