THE ancient remains of farming systems could be set to thwart developers looking to build in York.

Fining Associates, of Nether Poppleton, wants to knock down two houses in Millfield Lane, off Hull Road, and build flats for 40 students.

But an archaeologist at City of York Council said the plan should be rejected, until a full survey of the land is carried out.

John Oxley said the site was similar to the playing fields next to Derwent Junior School, where studies had found remains of “Romano-British” field systems and possible settlements.

He said: “There is, therefore, reason to expect the presence of archaeological remains relating to several periods on the application site. The scale of the proposed development indicates that it will have a large impact on any archaeological features and deposits that might be preserved on the site.

“It will be necessary, therefore, to ask the applicant to carry out an archaeological evaluation and submit a report.”

Mr Oxley said Fining Associates should be asked to withdraw its planning application, until that work had been carried out.

The company wants to knock down 99 and 101 Millfield Lane, and build a 2.5-storey block of student flats behind them, off the main road. They also plan to create a landscaped area around the flats, with a pond and footpaths.

In a formal statement supporting the plans, Fining Associates’ planning agent said the site was suitable for students.

A spokesman said: “The site is located in a residential area, but adjacent to a local centre comprising a number of local shops and services to the east and a number of University of York buildings further east still, and the main university campus a short distance to the south.”

Another local resident has already objected to the plans though. She said: “The structure would be built near my flat and I am not happy with the noise and problems it would bring.”