Colchester Borough Council’s Liberal Democrat-led planning committee will vote on the proposal after concerns were raised by Cox, who is also a town councilor for the area.

“The opinions of those responsible for the primary school adjacent to the site… were not sought by the developers,” she wrote.

The planning officer overseeing the application has recommended that it be approved.

Cox said the Flagstaff Road site, which includes a section of a Roman circus, was of “national historic significance”.

The town’s high steward and former MP, Sir Bob Russell, said the site was used as part of a walking bus route by pupils at St John’s Green Primary School, which has two campuses in the region.

“I’m surprised at the recommendation for approval,” he told BBC News.