'Crucial' decision to come on housing plans at Roman Circus

Colchester Council debated plans for more than 200 homes at a former military facility last month, with councillors firmly against the current proposal.

The former Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO) site in Flagstaff Road was previously part of the Royal Artillery Barracks, but it was vacated in 2019 and sold by the Ministry of Defence for £8.85million in 2022.

The plans, which were recommended for approval, came under intense scrutiny at the last meeting because the ABRO site includes a large section of the only known Roman Circus in Britain.

Plans - Countryside Partnerships revised their plans to “deliver enhancements to the city’s heritage offer.” (Image: Scene Architects) A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “The upcoming planning committee meeting on November 7 will resume consideration of the ABRO development site application from where discussions left off on October 17. 

“In line with the council’s planning code, additional public speaking is not required at this stage, as the initial debate thoroughly reviewed the issues, and a motion on the proposal was already in progress. 

“Members of the public had the opportunity to address the committee on this application at the October 17 meeting, where the chair extended the 'have your say' arrangements to allow for increased public input.

“Speaking arrangements for other agenda items remain as outlined in the planning 'have your say' arrangements.”

They continued: “The ABRO development is a major planning application on a site allocated for housing development in the local plan.

“The ABRO site, a former cavalry barracks within a conservation area and containing part of the historic Roman circus, is a significant housing development proposal.

“This decision is crucial as it balances the potential benefits of regenerating this disused site, which could otherwise become unsightly, into a sustainable development of 200 homes, with careful consideration of planning impacts including the setting of the circus monument and the wider conservation area."

Decision - Councillors' main concern of the plans was that it did not meet affordable housing targets set out by the Local Plan (Image: Newsquest) Councillors championed highlighting the Roman Circus as a heritage asset at the previous four-hour meeting, but said: “We can do better.”

The committee had discussed refusing the application, but after being warned of potential cost risks, a decision was deferred so councillors could see a report on what the decision would mean.

Sir Bob Russel, former MP for Colchester, said: “Technically speaking it is a continuation of the same meeting, thus, it is understandable why it has been decided that members of the public cannot speak this Thursday because the public engagement has already taken place.

“That is a pity, because things have been said in support of the application which need to be challenged or clarified.

“For example, it was stated that St John’s Green School had been consulted – but the headteacher has a different interpretation on what is claimed to be consultation.

“There are serious road safety issues which concern him.

“It would be great if he was able to speak to the committee so councillors hear his concerns.”

He added: “Hopefully councillors will sustain their objections and will not be arm-twisted or otherwise prevailed to vote 'yes' when they want to vote 'no'.”

Architect - Francis' 'bold' designs have seen lots of excitement (Image: Scene Architects) Dedham architect Francis Terry has drawn up a “bold” vision for the Roman circus site, which uses housing to mark out where the track used to be, with a large green in the centre.

Architecture historian and broadcaster Jeremy Musson said: “This is a wonderfully imaginative response to the deeper Roman history of Colchester, and a great opportunity to give a new horizon to the modern town.”

Mr Terry said: “The Roman circus is the only one in the country, which reflects the high status of Colchester in Roman times.

"This is a monument of international importance and therefore the architecture that surrounds it must be of the highest quality.

"Standard generic house building is not appropriate for this hugely significant context.

"This is Colchester’s last chance to develop the city in a way that celebrates its Roman past!

"Let’s hope we can take this opportunity."

The plans go before the committee on Thursday evening, November 7.