A FARMER with a Roman town and fort under his land has welcomed two studies into the possibility of excavating the site.

But Nick Greenwell declined to comment on recommendations that his Lanchester fort should only be excavated and developed for tourism over a period of years.

One survey looked at the conservation of a nationally important site and the other examined the possibility of developing fields used at present for grazing cows.

The surveys, carried out by PLB Consulting and funded by the Government's Regional Development Programme, concluded there was not enough public demand to sustain an immediate major development with other Roman sites of interest elsewhere in the region.

The Development Report said: "The consultants firmly believe that the pragmatic incremental approach described within the Development Study, guided by the Conservation Plan, provides an appropriate and sustainable way forward, albeit unfortunately lacking in major economic impact."

The report said some residents were concerned about increases in traffic, but it supported more access to the fort and the creation of a Friends of Lanchester Fort as part of a gradual development.

The report said the Lanchester fort had "arguably the greatest overall research potential for any Roman fort and vicus (town) in northern England due to its variety of features and preservation".

Mr Greenwell, whose family has owned the land for generations, said: "I think to get any major financial commitment from any body like, for example, Durham County Council, will take a big effort and will involve a lot of different groups sitting around the table. In the meantime, we'll keep on farming."

Tourism experts will study the results of the reports, commissioned by Derwentside District Council, before any action is taken