A recent archaeological evaluation has shown remains from the medieval era to be on land where new houses are to be built.

The excavation happened at Temple Laugherne, Lower Broadheath, commissioned by Orion Heritage, in advance of the proposed residential development in the area.

The evaluation found remains of a substantial building believed to have been a chapel.

The report found: "Such a simple medieval chapel, otherwise undocumented, is a rare discovery. A medieval key was also found in the same vicinity.

"This building came to be set within its own enclosure, and this long influenced the laying out of later field boundaries and a trackway, remnants of which remained into the Nineteenth Century.

READ MORE: Plan to build homes next to Worcester floodplain

"During the evaluation, two areas, within the southern half of the development area, were more intently trenched, in order to target geophysical anomalies.

"Within one of these areas, a number of medieval features were proven which correlated broadly with the geophysical results, while any other features elsewhere were considered to be of low significance.

"Subsequent excavation was focussed on this area of medieval activity, which then revealed a hamlet with at least four earth-fast built structures in the form of posthole alignments and beam slots.

"These sat within plots.

"Related to one of these, two pits were filled a large amount of charred grain.

"The ephemeral nature of the buildings suggested that the settlement was relatively short-lived, and had belonged to the Thirteenth and/or Fourteenth Century."

Councillor Richard Udall said: “This is a very important historical discovery, which unfortunately could be lost by development. Evidence exists of a settlement on this site going back to Roman times. I would sincerely hope the developers will acknowledge the history and preserve some of the site, so it can be further explored and understood in the future.

READ MORE: Gate by Northwick Lido padlocked shut 

"The historical significance of being linked to the Templar Knights and having a Templar Chapel on the site, must be recognised with future street names and historical information made available for future generations to learn and enjoy. Our heritage is important and the facts and information which are part of the discovery, should not be lost forever due to development."

Cllr Udall suggested that developers consider keeping something at the residential development to refer residents to what the land was like before houses were built there.