PLANS for a new archaeology centre of excellence in East Dorset are attracting acclaimed support from academics and professionals across the country.

The University of Cambridge, East Dorset Antiquarian Society, Wimborne Civic Society and several professional archaeologists are among the 25 organisations and individuals who have sent in letters backing the venture.

However the enthusiasm for the facility at Myncen Farm, Minchington, near Sixpenny Handley is not quite as forthcoming from East Dorset planners.

Despite reports showing they are minded to approve the plans, officers are recommending a site visit before a decision is made citing the scheme lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England and Sixpenny Handley Parish Council are also among the objectors.

The scheme by Simon and Denise Meaden proposes building a 16-bed residential unit, lecture hall to seat 40 and small interpretation centre to be used as an archaeological study centre at their arable farm which happens to be rich in archaeological finds.

A feasibility study has been carried out and if permission is granted the project will be eligible for up to 50 per cent grant funding from the Rural Enterprise Scheme.

But Mr Meaden said: "There is a lot of support for this project because there is nothing quite like this on Cranborne Chase.

"I am a farmer myself but I became interested in archaeology when my pigs began digging up pieces six or seven years ago. The idea is two local archaeologists will run the centre and liaise with others such as the Ancient Technology Centre at Cranborne. It's just taken a long time to get to this stage."

Archaeologist Beverly Hindle, who will help run the centre, said in a letter: "My vision is to create a centre of excellence for British archaeology. We will run a number of accredited practical fieldwork courses for amateur archaeologists and a more advanced fieldwork course for those already more experienced."

She added that it could also be a research project for students.

The matter goes before planners on August 26.