Published: June 27, 2007
New homes scheme planned for archaeological site near Burnham

A Bath company which has this week unveiled plans to build 21 new homes on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea will have to conduct a £100,000 archaeological investigation before it can develop the site.

Charlcombe Estates wants to construct a new housing estate on two acres of land just off Alstone Lane in West Huntspill (pictured right).

However, the application is a complex one as the site is on a 'scheduled ancient monument', home to archaeological remains thought to date back to the Iron Age and Roman times.

The company's website states it has already carried out "extensive pre-application consultation with Somerset Archaeological Officers and English Heritage" ahead of submitting its application.

"Once planning consent has been granted, we are required to carry out a full archaeological investigation prior to developing the site," added the company.

"The costs of the investigation are likely to exceed £100,000, which have agreed to fund at risk, balanced by an increased return."

"Following receipt of a planning consent and scheduled ancient monument consent, the site will be offered for sale on the open market by the owner's agent."