ARCHAEOLOGISTS are carrying out a dig in Baxter's Field to find out if it was ever occupied by the Romans.
But, so far, all the test trenches have uncovered is a shard of pottery.
Supporters of Save Slad Valley action group hope more turns up to help protect the site, off Summer Street in Stroud, from development.
Gladman Homes' bid to build a 140-house estate on Baxter's Field was rejected by Stroud District Council.
Now Save Slad Valley is preparing its case for the planning appeal Gladman has said it will lodge.
Phil Coysh, the action group's official spokesman, said: "There are bigger issues here in terms of the appeal."
Gladman spokesman Martin Twigg confirmed the Baxter's Field trenches were archaeological investigations.
A reason for refusal of the plans had been the company's insufficiently thorough initial archaeological survey.
Gladman is now carrying out a more complete dig in order to compile a full report for the county archaeologist.
Gladman hopes the way would then be cleared for an appeal solely on "matters of planning balance and judgment" Mr Twigg said.
The Baxter's Field plans resulted in one of the largest ever protests with 1,300 letters being sent to the district council.
