SNN117225 - Historic environment assessment: 23 High Street South, Rushden, Northamptonshire

Heritage Archaeology was commissioned by Mr E Curtis to provide an historic environment assessment for a proposed development at 23 High Street South, Rushden, Northamptonshire. 23 High Street South is not a recorded heritage asset and the site does not include any recorded heritage assets, but is within the Rushden Conservation Area and non-designated historic town core of Rushden. The assessment concludes that although 23 High Street South is not a recorded heritage asset, it has a degree of architectural and historic interest. It is therefore assessed as a heritage asset of local significance (low value). An adverse effect is predicted in relation to the proposed demolition of this building. The site has a high potential for post medieval archaeological remains associated with its use as a probable farm as part of Rushden’s pre-industrial heritage. Any such remains are likely to be of local significance. An adverse effect is predicted in relation to the potential impacts on any archaeology present within the site. Archaeological and historic building recording would provide suitable mitigation for these predicted impacts. The demolition of 23 High Street South and construction of four dwellings would marginally detract from the heritage values of the Rushden Conservation Area. The values of the conservation area relate to an urban area that has changed over time from a rural village to industrial town. Evidence for that transition and the town’s late 19th - early 20th century industrial town character would remain largely unchanged and discernible. 23 High Street South does contribute to the heritage value of the conservation area, being illustrative of the formerly agricultural village. However the positive contribution is limited by the loss of associated buildings and land to 19th and 20th century developments, the changes to the building which is a late 19th or early 20th century structure, and the poor condition of the site. Consequently the proposed development would have a low magnitude of impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and the significance of effect is minor.