A HISTORIC Roman villa bath house unearthed in Cam will be preserved, it has been announced.

The future of the villa, which was found by archaeologists working at Bovis Homes’ 137-home development site in Box Road, was discussed at a meeting today.

Representatives from Bovis Homes, archaeologists from Thames Valley Archaeological Services who have been carrying out the dig, Gloucestershire County Council archaeology and heritage experts, Stroud District Council planning officers and councillors met to discuss the future of the site.

Councillor Jessica Tomblin, who organised the meeting, said: "I am pleased to confirm that the Roman villa will be preserved.

"Bovis Homes are now working with Cam Parish Council, Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council to make this happen.

"Thank you to the amazing professionals today for their valuable time and expertise."

She added: “I’d like to thank Bovis Homes for recognising the importance of this site to the people of Cam and our local community.

“I am pleased to have been able to bring the relevant people together so quickly for a meeting and am delighted that Bovis Homes has responded with this positive outcome.”

A spokesman for Bovis Homes said: “We are proactively engaging with the local authorities and archaeological experts to explore the options available.

"Those discussions are ongoing and following a productive meeting yesterday afternoon are progressing well.

"We believe that we have a way forward to work with interested parties to preserve the villa and we hope to be able to provide more detail shortly.”