Liz Coates A revised scheme to “gently” encourage more people to visit the Roman fort in Burgh Castle will respect the monument's tranquil setting and atmosphere.

Liz Coates

A revised scheme to “gently” encourage more people to visit the Roman fort in Burgh Castle will respect the monument's tranquil setting and atmosphere.

It is hoped that a car park, new pathways and information boards will boost the number of visitors to the fort - one of the best preserved in the country.

Images and the history of the late third century monument would feature on two display areas at the site which is currently reached from a footpath off Church Road.

Parking for 29 cars three, coaches and cycles would be accessed from Butt Lane if the plans get the go-ahead.

Dr Peter Wade-Martins director of Norfolk Archaeological Trust which owns the 90-acre site said a viewing platform offering views unrivalled anywhere else in Norfolk was included in the scheme.

He said: “Very few people know about the fort and because of the problems with access we do not promote it. It has immense potential from an educational point of view but we have got to get the access right first.

“We do not want to push it so much that it will spoil the atmosphere. It will be taken very slowly and gently because we care for the place too and have full respect for the monument.”

New pathways are intended to make it easier for wheelchair users to get to the fort that stands at an idyllic location overlooking Breydon Marshes.

The proposal has the support of the parish council but permission is needed from Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Broads Authority because the site straddles both authorities.

A previous more expensive plan for a longer access road to a car park next to the parish church fell foul of funding difficulties Norfolk Archaeological Trust has owned the 90 acre site that includes woodland and reed beds since 1995 but the remains are looked after by English Heritage.