Medieval links at Audlem nursing home site

An Audlem nursing home will have to call in archaeologists if it want to build new flats for old folk.

Owners of Audlem Country Home have been allowed to extend the time limit on an existing approval for plans extend and alter the complex in School Lane for another three years.

But because the site is in an 'Area of Archaeological Potential' councillors have ruled that an archaeologist must be on the site to examine any finds unearthed during building works.

Archaeological oversight was included as a condition of granting approval by Cheshire East's Southern Area Planning Board.

A Decision Notice from Cheshire East states: "No development shall take place until the implementation of a programme of archaeological work has been secured in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has first been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority."

Owners Keenrick Nursing Homes first got planning approval in 2005 to build new units for 17 residents on land at School Lane and to convert existing apartments for another 28 residents. In 2010 it won a three-year extension for the scheme which was due to run out in October this year .

Audlem Country Home is sited around the old Audlem Grammar School which has seen many changes during its history but is still a Grade II* listed building.

Cheshire East's own Development Control Archaeologist Mark Leah had asked councillors for conditions to be placed on any development of the site.

He said: "Finds of particular note in Audlem had included a medieval kiln and a corn-drying oven which emphasised the potential of areas within the core of the early settlement."

Keenrick Nursing Homes now has another three years to start building work on the School Lane site.

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