Abbey Meads ward councillors are reassuring residents over the Tadpole Farm housing development after digging machinery arrived on the site today.
Councillors have been told that small trenches are being dug as part of an archaeological investigation being carried out by the site's owners. The work is a legal requirement before any planning application can be submitted.
Crest Nicholson told us, "Cotswold Archaeology are beginning the trench exercise at Tadpole Farm on Monday 18 July on behalf of Crest Strategic Projects, and we expect the work will continue for at least 6 weeks.
"The investigation is required by the County Archaeologist prior to any planning application being submitted. It is expected about 400 shallow trenches will be dug across the site".
Notices have been put up along Tadpole Lane to advise residents of the situation.
No planning application has been submitted, but the developers have held a series of public consultations on the possible development.