Criticism at plots plan
A medieval archaeological site could be turned into allotments if it is not as historically important as initially thought.
The land on Crow Close, Bingham, was thought to be a deserted medieval village and was the first to be recognised in England.
Bingham Town Council believes it could be an ideal area to establish allotments.
There is a desperate need for new plots in the town after the closure of allotments on Moor Lane.
On Tuesday, councillors welcomed new initiatives to look for sites including approaching farmers to see if they would sub-let any land as well as investigating the potential for land availability at Crow Close.
The number of available plots dropped significantly after plots on Moor Lane were closed in June 2007 after investigations by Rushcliffe Borough Council found the land was contaminated with chemicals including arsenic, cyanide and lead.
Since the closure, the council has struggled to find another suitable location for those who lost allotments.
There are 30 plots on Hill Drive, which are all in use.
Another 50 people are on a waiting list, which continues to grow, boosted by the recession and concerns about the rising price of food.
Research by Bingham Heritage Trails Association cast some doubt on the idea that Crow Close was the site of a medieval village, but it is still considered important.
Mr Peter Allen, chairman of the association, said he was appalled that councillors were considering the land for allotments.
He said: “To garden you would have to level the ground but some of the structures are quite high and there are a lot of earth works that are hundreds of years old.
“English Heritage would not allow it. They only permitted the playground because an archaeologist was on site overseeing every hole that was dug.
“In my mind it really is a non-starter and the site should be left alone.”
Mr Allen said the site was more likely to be a medieval farm building or manor house rather than a village, but either way it was still a scheduled monument.