The remains of a 2,000-year-old Roman villa appear to have been found near Devizes under part of Crown Estate land.

A team of archaeologists is now assessing the find at the site proposed for housing by Lay Wood between Horton Road and the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Should the development get the go-ahead it is possible that the Roman villa could be uncovered and studied, possibly involving local schools and the community. 

It may also be possible to make a it permanent feature of the site with information boards and viewing facilities.

Steve Melligan, strategic land manager for The Crown Estate, said: "This is an exciting find which we are examining further.

"If the remains are of sufficient merit and condition we will ensure they are conserved as a valuable historical attraction for the local areas of Bishops Cannings, Roundway, Devizes and Wiltshire as whole.

"As we find out more about the remains we hope to get local schools and other interested local groups involved."

The initial find was discovered after careful trial trenching commissioned by The Crown Estate from Wessex Archaeology.

Further details will be made available as the assessment progresses and any conservation proposals will be included within The Crown Estate development plans for the land by Lay Wood which will be considered by Wiltshire Council in due course.

The site lies within private land to which there is no public access.