Colchester 203 homes near Roman Circus set to be approved

The disused Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO) site in Flagstaff Road includes a significant section of the only known Roman Circus in Britain.

The site was previously part of the Royal Artillery Barracks, forming the northernmost part of the old Colchester Garrison.

It was vacated in 2019 and has stood empty ever since, with the land sold by the Ministry of Defence for £8.85 million in 2022.

Campaign - Former councillor Adam Fox and now MP Pam Cox outside the former ABRO site (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester Council is due to discuss the plans for 203 homes at its meeting next week.

Blueprints showed the large buildings at the south of the former ABRO land, built on top of a section of the Roman Circus, would be demolished and transformed into public open space.

The proposal consists of two and three-storey terraced and semi-detached properties, along with two and three-storey apartment blocks.

The developer previously stated it plans to help turn the Roman Circus Visitor Centre into a “significant” tourist attraction as part of the building work.

Proud - Philip Crummy stands beside the Roman Circus site which he has overseen for years (Image: Newsquest) It was reported in January that Countryside Partnerships wanted to begin preparing the site for development and submitted plans to demolish eight buildings.

It was noted that there was asbestos in the buildings which required safe removal.

Now, the plans have been recommended for approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement.

Campaigners - Colchester MP Pam Cox, resident Linda Green, Paul Knappett and Sir Bob Russell holding a plan of the former site of the Artillery Barracks (Image: Newsquest) According to planning committee papers, the proposed development has been brought to the meeting because there are “significant concerns about traffic”.

It also says "new evidence has come to light" about the historical significance of some of the remaining garrison buildings on the site.

Councillor for New Town and Christ Church Kayleigh Rippingale said: “We’ve been working with the developer for quite some time to make sure it is sympathetic for the area, particularly for the Roman Circus.

“We are hoping to meet with residents in the street to discuss our concerns before the meeting next week.

“We are pro-housing because we are in a housing crisis, but we want to ensure given the historical significance that the housing is sympathetic and works with the community in New Town and Christchurch.