Thanks for the link! Interesting stuff. You might want to consider posting this as a news item here.

I'm assuming this is in the area known as 'Burnt Mills', or close by, alongside the A127 somewhere? I've taken a look on the MAGIC map, where there's nothing marked in the area, and there are no obvious ground markings to be seen on Google Earth or any of the other major satellite image sites.

In terms of 'saving' the site, it's likely a sad story I'm afraid. Much larger sites, of national importance (e.g. Thornborough) have been ravaged by the planners and developers in the past, despite much organised opposition to their plans. If the story is in the local rag, then it's probably already to late.

But. The first step would be to find out the exact location, then determine if there is any protection already in place - bird nesting, RSPB, SSSI etc. I doubt this is the case in the middle of Basildon.

The next steps would be to contact the local MP to start stirring up support, find out exactly what is planned for the area, and get English Heritage on the case - though they'll probably be no help whatsoever (ref. Rotherwas Ribbon), that's the official route to go.

Find out as much as you can about the site and the plans, then if there's still hope and it's not too late, publicise the issue as widely as you can. On here, on Heritage Action, on the various archaeology lists etc. Write to the local council and newspapers in opposition to the plans. Get people to listen. Be passionate about the site. And be prepared for disappointment.

No-one said it would be easy...