Archaeologists say extension could destroy a Roman site
Historians have objected to the proposed expansion of the Tesco supermarket in Towcester, saying it could destroy a site of national archaeological importance.
Members of the Towcester and District Local History Society say the store, in Old Tiffield Road, is on a Roman site and that extended development across neighbouring land could destroy or damage as yet undiscovered archaeological finds.
Plans to extend the current store are due to go before South Northamptonshire Council's development control committee on August 6 and, if approved, will see a much increased store and car park.
In a statement to planning officers, a spokesman for the society said: "The present Tesco store is on a Roman site found during the construction of the railway station in 1864, during which there were at least 100 Roman vessels, coins and pieces of glass discovered.
"It is appreciated the potential of finding any surviving archaeology within the site of the former station is low but proposed development extends beyond this area into a neighbouring field.
"The potential for this field to contain significant archaeology of regional if not national significance is high and in these circumstances we do not consider the present application should be determined without the results of an archaeological evaluation on the area."
In his report, case officer Richard Amor said the council's committee would be asked to grant permission subject to an archaeological evaluation of the site being completed and the plans would then be amended or refused as appropriate based on the outcome of the evaluation.
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