Archaeological dig at controversial homes site

Lewes District Council's planning committee gave permission for 59 flats to be built on land behind Lewes House and Lewes Library last month.

The decision caused considerable public criticism and led to hundreds of Lewes residents taking part in a protest march against over-development of the town.

An archaeological dig will take place before construction begins.

A district council spokeswoman said the archaeological works would start this month and last about 16 weeks.

The work will be done by Archaeology South East (ASE) which also carried out a similar excavation at the Baxters Printworks site.

Two empty houses, owned by the district council and formerly used for caretaker accommodation, will be demolished to prepare the site for the excavation.

The council said a number trees in the area will be pruned.

The site will be stripped in two phases and the excavated material will be stored on site in mounded bunds.

Members of the public will be able to visit the excavations during open days.