Land at the centre of a controversial application for hundreds of homes may be the site of a Roman burial ground.

Gladman Developments’ proposal to build 580 houses off Swanstree Avenue in Sittingbourne is set to come before the national planning inspector in April.

The decision on whether to grant permission was taken out of Swale council’s hands last month after the application was not considered within the eight-week time limit.

As a result, the Cheshire-based company lodged an appeal on the grounds of non-determination.

At a meeting to decide retrospectively what the decision on the application would have been, councillors refused to grant permission, citing concerns about the loss of versatile agricultural land and air pollution.

But it can now be revealed a Kent County Council archaeologist suspects the site may be home to Roman artefacts.

In a July 28 letter sent to Swale council - weeks after the non-determination was lodged - KCC’s principal archaeological officer, Simon Mason, states evidence of burial and cremations has already been found in the site.

He notes the discovery of items such as ‘patera’, which is a Roman drinking cup, “suggests a relatively rich burial adding to the potential significance of the burial site or cemetery.”

Mr Mason adds that excavation of land near Swanstree Avenue previously uncovered Bronze and Iron Age artefacts, as well as a Roman Age lead coffin in Highsted Quarry in 1955.

Since early last week, archaeology experts working on behalf of Gladman Developments have been carrying out ‘targeted trial trenching’ to explore the area of proposed house-building.

However, Swale planning officer Graham Thomas said ancient finds may not prevent the land being developed because it depends on the quantity, quality and significance of the finds.

He added: “You might find one bit of pottery, you might find a million.”