Colchester Roman Circus site sees housing plans deferred

Colchester Council debated the plans at the former Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO) site in Flagstaff Road on Thursday evening.

Developers want to build 203 homes on the site, which 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.

The disused ABRO site includes a significant section of the only known Roman Circus in Britain.

Model - The Roman Circus was a giant structure with seating for over 8,000 people (Image: Newsquest) It is one of three buildings on site identified to have architectural or historical significance, alongside the carpenters and telecommunications shop and the newly-Grade II listed Horse Infirmary.

The controversial plans, which have seen widespread objection, were discussed at the latest council planning meeting, having been recommended for approval. 

The scheme design has seen significant changes to its original concept after a “very extensive consultation” with Historic England, with homes being moved to sit parallel to the circus’ track and traditional architectural detailing with stone archways and brick banding.

Plan - The site (outlined in red) includes a public path to reference the circus' circuit (Image: Scene Architects) Developers Countryside Partnerships defended their revised plans which aimed to “deliver enhancements to the city’s heritage offer.”

Councillors' main concerns were the plans not being compliant with the housing target of the local plan, which aims to deliver 30 per cent of affordable housing in new developments.

The ABRO site sees 7.4 per cent of affordable housing.

Councillors also championed highlighting the heritage asset of the Roman Circus, with the general consensus heard many times in the four-hour meeting being: “We can do better.”

Opposition - Former councillor Adam Fox and now MP Pam Cox outside the former ABRO site (Image: Newsquest) The plans were deferred by the planning committee.

Colchester MP Pam Cox said she was "pleased" with the decision.

“Not a single councillor was prepared to approve the planning application before them," Ms Cox said.

“Colchester’s Roman Circus is not only of national, but international significance, and our city deserves to see development that meets our aspirations for a world-class development.

“It is right that the Planning Committee opted to take more time to review the proposals and I hope the developers listen to the absolute strength of feeling from the local community and return with a fresh offer.”