ARCHAEOLOGISTS are searching a controversial site for historic artefacts before diggers get to work developing the land into a housing estate.

The project started in September and archaeologists have been busy exploring the history of the 30-acre site in Old Kempshott Lane, Basingstoke.

The eastern boundary of the land runs along the course of the Roman road that used to connect Silchester with Chichester and historians are hopeful of finding treasures from the Iron Age and the Romano-British period.

After strong local opposition, planning permission has been granted to Barratt to build 300 new homes on the site and so this is the last chance for archaeologists to find out about the area's history.

Martin Tuthill, land director of Barratt Southern Counties, said: "Archaeological investigation works began about five weeks ago and are being carried out fully in accordance with the planning permission.

"Some items of interest have been found and are currently being recorded. Completion of this work is likely to take a few more weeks."

The developer has promised two, three and four-bedroomed affordable homes, including five acres of open space.

The marketing suite is due to open in January.