Merlewood, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria. Archaeological Desk Based Assesssment.

JMP Architects are submitting a planning application for the development of a holiday centre at Merlewood, Windermere Road, Grange over Sands, Cumbria (SD 4095 7960). The proposed development affects an area considered to have
archaeological potential and, accordingly, Cumbria County Council Historic Environment Service (CCCHES) issued a brief for a programme of preliminary archaeological investigation, comprising a desk-based assessment and a walkover survey. Following production of a project design to meet CCCHES requirements,
Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) were commissioned by JMP Architects to conduct the work, which was undertaken in October 2006. Merlewood comprises a complex of buildings lying on steeply-sloping ground within
a rural location, roughly 1km to the north of Grange over Sands and centred on a Grade II listed mansion built in 1853 for a wealthy cotton family. The development proposals cover an area of approximately 1.4 ha and intends to utilise a number of the existing buildings of the Merlewood complex, as well as replace others. Other features, such as an original tennis court, will be restored within their present
locations.