Calls for Roman remains protection
10:54am Thu Jul 29, 2010
Residents and councillors have opposed plans for homes on the site of Roman remains in Southwell.
More than 40 people attended a special meeting of the town council’s planning committee yesterday.
It was agreed the application for 31 homes on the former Church Street site of The Minster School should be opposed.
Caunton Properties has applied to build 12 three-bedroom houses, 18 two-bedroom apartments, and one one-bedroom home. Nine, likely to be apartments, would be designated as affordable housing.
Part of the site contains Roman remains, which have been listed for protection as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by English Heritage.
A recent archaeological investigation revealed remains in other areas, including a large Roman wall and Saxon burials that it is believed could help provide a link between the Romans in Southwell and the building of the minster.
The committee unanimously agreed to object to the proposal on grounds including that the site contained important archaeology, the design and number of houses were not suitable for the site, and highways and flooding concerns.
A public vote showed those at the meeting supported the council’s decision to object to the plans.
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