LAND earmarked for housing in West Oxfordshire is set to be investigated by archaeologists.
The development in Shipton Under Wychwood, near Burford, includes plans for up to 44 houses and a school car park.
But due to a wide range of prehistoric, neolithic and Iron Age relics previously found in the surrounding area, archaeological evaluation must take place before the house-building begins.
Past discoveries include prehistoric flintwork, a Neolithic long barrow, and medieval pottery.
Coins dating back to the Iron Age and Roman times have also been found on nearby land.
The proposed development is south of Milton Road near Wychwood Primary School and lies outside the historic village settlement, but within its conservation area.
It is possible archaeological deposits on the site could be disturbed or destroyed by building work, so excavators will step in to investigate.
Planning permission to develop the site for housing was accepted last December.
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