SIR: How is archaeology paid for? The present legislation assumes that the developer pays for any excavation and assessment requested by the local authority. This works well for smaller sites as seen in Southgate, Jewry and Hyde streets.

However, for larger sites it is a different story. Prof Martin Biddle’s explorations in the Cathedral Close, Wolvesey Palace and the Great Hall courtyard were exploring medieval sites of known significance. I suggest they wouldn’t have been so successful without his brilliance in raising funds in America and attracting volunteers in the process.

The original planning application for the redevelopment of Peninsula Barracks included extensive underground parking off Southgate Street. This would have produced considerable information about Saxon Winchester but foundered on sheer cost of archaeology.

When the Brooks development was given planning permission, including an underground car park, one might have expected that since Winchester has been designated one of the 40 most important archaeological towns in the country that national funds would be forthcoming.

At the Brooks in the 1980s a comprehensive excavation was organised that attracted enthusiastic public interest. As we now know English Heritage funds were withdrawn at a late stage. The city’s archaeologists did their best and made significant finds. But inevitably there was a time cut-off with such a costly development.

Now the Silver Hill Regeneration has created another opportunity that could contribute to a new visitor attraction in relation to the Saxons and the development of the English language.

However the archaeological report headed by Prof Biddle recommends that it is left as undisturbed as possible based on the academically correct observation that in 50 years’ time archaeological methods would have advanced so much that greater knowledge would be obtained. This appear to me too academic, not recognising the unique needs of this town.

What better opportunity could occur when the city council owns 80 per cent of the site? Who would think of demolishing the new quality buildings that will be constructed here, in 50 years?

Andrew Rutter,

retired Winchester City

Council conservation officer,

St John’s Road,

Winchester