A NEW group set up to help make Colchester's Roman Circus a tourist attraction has welcomed new plans for 200 homes nearby have been refused. 

Plans for 203 residential units to be built near the Roman Circus were refused last Thursday by Colchester Council after weeks of tense discussions.

The proposal was for homes to be built at the former Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO) site in Flagstaff Road, which includes a significant section of the only known Roman Circus in northern Europe.

Ten councillors voted against the plans, and MP Pam Cox, who is part of a new group of heritage experts which formed to campaign for the Roman Circus, was “pleased” with the decision.

Refused - The site (outlined) included a significant section of the Roman CircusRefused - The site (outlined) included a significant section of the Roman Circus (Image: Scene Architects) Ms Cox said: “This an exciting year for Colchester and the Roman Circus as we celebrate 20 years of the anniversary of its discovery.

“It is really important that any development is designed in a way that enhances rather than diminished the circus.

“The Roman Circus is rightly recognised as a site of international importance, and we should treat it as such.

“This is our opportunity to get it right for future generations.

“I am pleased to be supporting the new group of local experts that are championing the Roman Circus and who want to see its massive potential realised.”

Opportunity - Pam Cox MP with Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture Opportunity - Pam Cox MP with Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture (Image: Pam Cox MP) She added: “This week I met with Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, and she wants to know more about Colchester’s Heritage and the plans for the site.

“This gives a real opportunity to make the most of our history at a national level.”

Paul Knappett is also part of the group championing the circus and has successfully led other projects in Colchester to highlight and recognise the city’s heritage.

Paul said: “Personally, I support the decision of the planning committee because the application did not meet either the council’s vision as stated in their development brief for the site, or the council’s approved Roman Circus Management Plan.  

“The ABRO site was formerly the Royal Artillery Le Cateau Barracks and contains important parts of Colchester’s and the Nation’s heritage.

“These include remains of the only known Roman circus in Britain, which is a Scheduled Monument and buildings from the only surviving example of a design of barracks dating back 150 years. 

“This includes a remarkably intact Grade 2 listed “War Horse” hospital.”

Heritage - The Roman Circus site was found 20 years ago Heritage - The Roman Circus Visitor Centre recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the discovery of the site (Image: Submitted) He added: “The proposed scheme fell woefully short of what could have been achieved.

“It was a lost opportunity to create a setting worthy of the Roman circus’s historical importance making it a major visitor attraction.

“The city certainly needs to generate income from tourism following the loss of so many of its good quality shops.

“I hope the planning committee’s decision will ultimately lead to the developer, the city council and other bodies, including the Roman Circus Group, taking advantage of this one-off opportunity to transform the circus and horse hospital into tourist attractions the city can be rightfully proud of.”