A Roman archaeological site of potentially ‘national significance’ is being threatened by plans to build 180 new homes and a £7 million access road, it is feared.

Housing developer Waddeton Park is seeking outline planning permission - with all matters reserved except access - to build homes on the water meadows close to Southwick Court, near Trowbridge.

Councillors and archaeological experts have objected to the proposed development at Southwick Court Fields amid claims that a potentially large Roman site could be destroyed.

They believe the site contains the remains of a large Roman villa, along with a smaller 1st century villa, barns and other buildings that could include a bath house and a religious shrine.

They say if outline planning permission is granted on condition that an archaeological dig is undertaken, rather than such a dig being required before consent is given, then there is a risk of a major impact on assets of potentially regional and national importance.

Wiltshire Times: Arfchitect Martin Valatin with his diagrams of a Roman villa complex which could have potentially 'national significance'. Photo: Trevor Porter 69619-6Arfchitect Martin Valatin with his diagrams of a Roman villa complex which could have potentially 'national significance'. Photo: Trevor Porter 69619-6 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Martin Valatin, a local architect and antiquarian who was involved in discovering the Roman villa at St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon, believes there is strong evidence that a collection of Roman buildings exist at the site.

He said: “My research indicates there was a Roman road across the site and I found what appeared to be a large Roman villa adjacent to it on an aerial photo taken during the 1976 drought.

“Wessex Archaeology inspected the evidence in 2021 with one of their top experts describing it as ‘compelling’.

“According to my research, one range of the villa is under the proposed housing, with the rest of the complex threatened with destruction by a pond and tree roots.

“What appears to be phase one of the villa, which was later moved to where water could be supplied to run the baths, is under the planned housing.

“There are what appear to me to be archaeological features under nine out of 13 housing blocks and a third complex under the proposed link road. 

“It could cost millions to excavate, which will likely fall on Wiltshire Council if it grants outline planning without proper investigation.”

Wiltshire Times: Martin Valatin's diagram of the Roman villa complex he says lies beneath Southwick Court Fields. Photo: Trevor Porter 69619-2Martin Valatin's diagram of the Roman villa complex he says lies beneath Southwick Court Fields. Photo: Trevor Porter 69619-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Councillors representing the Trowbridge Grove area say Wiltshire Council has a duty to make sure an archaeological dig is carried out before granting Devon-based Waddeton Park outline planning permission. 

Wiltshire councillor David Vigar said: “Three separate expert bodies have said the site could contain valuable archaeology and needs to be investigated. It is the council’s responsibility to make it happen before councillors consider approving the plans.”

Trowbridge Town councillor Graham Hill added: “For experts to go on the record in matters like this is noteworthy. Trial trenching has occurred on other nearby sites where there has been much less evidence.

“On this site, there are strong reasons for seeking clarity, yet nothing is being done.  If Wiltshire Council mandate this from the developers, it will not cost them a penny and concerns will have been addressed.”

Wiltshire Times: The Southwick Court Fields site where Waddeton Park wants to build 180 new homes. Photo: Trevor Porter 69619-5The Southwick Court Fields site where Waddeton Park wants to build 180 new homes. Photo: Trevor Porter 69619-5 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Simon Hickman, principal inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas for Historic England, which also objected to the application, said: “We have been shown documents that show there may be some significant archaeology on the site. 

“To be able to advise as to whether that archaeology is of national significance, we will need to see the results of an archaeological evaluation, as recommended by your internal archaeological advisor.”

Cllr Nick Botterill, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for development control said: “Matters related to archaeology are still being considered and the officer’s position will be set out in the report to Strategic Planning Committee, one week before the date of the meeting.”

Waddeton Park has been approached for comment.