UNDISCOVERED archaeology buried under York could be at threat if the Government goes ahead with proposed change to planning and building regulations.

Under the reforms, householders would not need planning permission to add an extension to a property if the construction was under eight metres long.

However, archaeogists are concerned it could threaten future historic finds in the city.

Mike Heyworth, director of the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) which has it’s head office in York, said: “The government’s planning proposals pose a risk to our local heritage. When combined with the potential loss of expertise and jobs being proposed within York City Council’s Conservation department if this change went ahead the impact may be significant for the city.

“York is remarkable and special. Our local historic environment contributes to the economic and cultural health of the city and we need to ensure that it can continue to make a positive impact in the future.”

The CBA said that beyond Hungate and its layers of history, there are also other “amazing examples including the Roman burial finds in York by Time Team when they visited a few years ago for one of their biggest and most ambitious multi-site digs”.

It is understood that both English Heritage and the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO), of which City of York Council is a member, have contacted the Government to voice concerns over the proposals.

Charles Wagner, head of planning at English Heritage, said he was concerned that historically important sites could end up being built on.

In 2010 archaeologists uncovered the remains of 80 Roman warriors at a house in Holgate. The find is understood to be the best preserved Roman gladiator burial site in the world. Currently a householder may only build an extension up to four metres long without planning permission.