Charity criticises Sherford developers

Evidence of a Roman road discovered on site

Developers of Sherford, the new town in Devon, have been accused of putting profit before the nation’s heritage after evidence of a Roman road was discovered on the site where a business park is being built. 

Along with the road, ancient artefacts dating back almost 4,000 have also been dug up, providing evidence of thriving Bronze Age communities.

The historic road also highlights construction methods used thousands of years ago; including drainage systems which can still be clearly seen.

Archeologists have been exploring an area that is to become the Sherford Business Park which lies partly inside the new Plymouth and South Devon Freeport. 

But CPRE, a countryside charity, suggests important archaeological finds such as these should not be moved just to benefit large developments. 

The Sherford development has been criticised previously by Devon CPRE and other environmental groups. A spokesperson said: “Devon CPRE always had concerns about developing a new town the size of Sherford on a greenfield site when there are so many brownfield sites available. 

“While we know there’s a need for genuinely affordable housing in Devon, it’s a shame when this is at the expense of our heritage and our countryside. 

“This week’s discovery of a Roman road is a fascinating glimpse of Devon’s history which will no doubt be removed or destroyed once archaeologists have recorded it. 

“Wherever possible we would like to see important archaeological sites like this preserved in situ for the benefit of the community, although that would dent the profit of developers.” 

Rob Bourn of Orion Heritage said it simply wasn’t practical to save all artefacts found in archeological excavations.  He added: “Ninety per cent of all digs only occur because the site is scheduled for development.”

The Sherford project began in 2015 and involves plans for 5,500 homes as well as shops, schools, parks, business and leisure facilities.