People can now have their say on future of Colchester's Roman Circus
It is the only known chariot-racing track in Britain
People are being asked to have their say on a new strategy for the management of Colchester's Roman Circus.
It is the only known chariot-racing track in Britain and one of only a few unearthed in northern Europe.
The Roman Circus Management Plan will set out the roles and responsibilities of the council and key stakeholders involved in protecting the site.
It will also provide a vision and framework for its conservation, enhancement, interpretation, presentation and celebration over the next five years.
After the public consultation, the management plan could then be amended to become supplementary planning guidance.
This would further protect the monument and its setting from redevelopment.
Colchester Borough Council has launched a separate public consultation on a draft development brief for the neighbouring and potentially archaeologically significant Defence Support Group (DSG) site, formerly known as Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO).
It was once used as a military vehicle repair facility and was vacated in 2019.
There are also proposals to extend the Garrison Conservation Area to include the ABRO site, which are now being considered.
This is to help protect the surviving buildings associated with the former Le Cateau Barracks and the setting of the circus.
In light of the Defence Estates' intention to get rid of the site for redevelopment, an informal consultation was carried out last year with councillors, the landowner, Colchester Archaeological Trust, the Civic Society, Historic England, the Highway Authority and Essex Police.
Comments from this have been considered in drafting the development brief.
As with the Roman Circus Management Plan, the status of the DSG brief could eventually be altered to become a supplementary planning document.
Though its remains are now entirely below ground, the scale of the Roman Circus is around 450m in length with an estimated seating capacity of 8,000.
It was discovered in 2005 within the site of the old garrison and is a Scheduled Monument.
This means it has the same status and protection as other heritage sites such as Colchester Castle, the Balkerne Gate and the Roman Walls.
Councillor Julie Young, portfolio holder for culture & performance and deputy leader of the council, said:
"'Unique' is a word that is often misused.
"However, Colchester's Roman Circus really can be said to be unequalled in the UK.
"It is therefore only right that we do as much as we can to protect it and raise its profile - both as a standalone attraction and to take its rightful place as a major treasure in Colchester's wealth of Roman Heritage and visitor attractions.
"I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say in these consultations."
People have until 8 March to take part in the consultations: