Villa to get not-too-modern makeover (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Villa to get not-too-modern makeover

A BALANCE must be struck between the old and the new as conservationists plan to renovate Chedworth Roman Villa.

The National Trust, responsible for the famous heritage site, is about to unveil plans aimed at better protecting the villa's mosaics.

However, concerns have been raised about the likelihood the project will involve the demolition of the Victorian structures currently covering the artefacts.

Parish councillor David Broad told the Standard he acknowledges the need for new buildings, but warned against the cost of scrapping the Victorian structures.

He said: "It is difficult because the buildings they are considering taking down are in themselves examples of Victorian woodwork.

"They are 150-year-old wooden buildings in good condition and we should use those materials. You simply can't buy wood of that quality now and it would be a tremendous shame not to use it."

Nevertheless, Cllr Broad did acknowledge the importance of adequately protecting the famous ruins.

He said: "There is no doubt these buildings do not adequately protect the Roman remains from the elements."

The National Trust said they are keen for interested parties to give feedback on its proposals over the coming months.

Several public meetings are planned and project manager Philip Bethell is hoping for a healthy public debate.

National Trust spokesman Alex Brannen said: "It is exciting times for the villa, which hasn't really moved on since Victorian times.

"The buildings don't offer good protection to the mosaics and there are a great deal more mosaics still buried in the site.

"What the Victorians did at the time was very enlightening, but they do not now protect them. Access to the mosaics also needs to be improved.

"We will try to incorporate the Victorian buildings, but the need to cover and protect is the priority. We need to move Chedworth into the 21st century."

Mr Bethell is giving a talk/progress report on the plans for the Roman villa at Withington Parish Council on March 1. Email: philip.bethell@nationaltrust.org.uk