Zoo site Planning officers back proposals to build 62 new homes
BRISTOL City Council officers have backed plans to build 62 new homes on one of Bristol Zoo’s two car parks, despite widespread controversy.
Proposals have been recommended for approval to redevelop the West Car Park in Clifton, which belongs to Bristol Zoological Society, into new housing.
The society submitted an application to allow a mix of one, two and three-bed apartments and three to four-bed mews houses on the College Road site, of which 20 per cent will be affordable in line with council planning policy.
It sought permission to develop what it describes as an “environmentally friendly residential scheme” as part of its new strategy, revealed in November last year, to secure the future of the charity and its conservation and education work.
It announced at the end of November the closure of its Clifton zoo site, with plans to relocate the attraction to its sister Wild Place Project in South Gloucestershire, which it said would become a “world-class zoo with spacious, modern facilities, significant growth in conservation and education work and a ground-breaking, innovative visitor experience”.
The West Car Park will be sold to help fund the plans, to ensure that Bristol Zoo continues to exist for generations to come.
A counter campaign called Our World Bristol was set up by some locals in response, who favour an “augmented reality zoo” instead of housing.
Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society (CHIS) has successfully applied for Bristol Zoo Gardens to become an asset of community value, which means the community group will have the right to bid for the site if it goes up for sale in the next five years.
The planning application for the West Car Park is due to be decided by Bristol City Council’s development control committee members on September 22.
The officers’ report released ahead of the meeting concluded: “This is an acceptable location for housing in principle.”
Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “This is an important step towards realising our exciting plans for the future of Bristol Zoological Society.
“The sensitive development of the West Car Park site will help achieve our goal of creating a new, world-class Bristol Zoo for everyone in Bristol and beyond.
“Our scheme for the site acknowledges its setting and context while making use of materials that are sympathetic to the surrounding environment.”
Dr Morris added: “As a wildlife and conservation charity, our plans demonstrate high environmental and sustainable standards and we want to ensure we give a helping hand to local wildlife.
“We have included bird and bat boxes and bee bricks across the site, soft landscaping, green roofs and wildlife-friendly planting.
“The plans also include using energy-efficient materials and build methods, renewable materials, including mechanical ventilation and heat recovery, and the installation of electric car charging points and plentiful cycle parking provision.”
Supporters of the proposal include Bristol Civic Society, which said in a statement: “The Civic Society is supportive of this proposal in principle.
“It makes optimum use of the site which is located within a generally residential area close to The Downs.
“The proposed land use is appropriate and also makes use of high quality materials.”
Visit Bristol, which has also voiced support for the West Car Park plan, stated: “It will help Bristol Zoological Society to continue to evolve, enabling the progression of its exceptional work in conservation and education, as well as its role as one of the region’s finest visitor attractions.”
The society says it is currently at an early consultation stage with stakeholders to help inform its separate plans for the site of Bristol Zoo Gardens itself, which will also be sold as part of its strategy.
A separate planning application relating to the main Bristol Zoo Gardens site will be submitted in early 2022 following “extensive consultation” with neighbours and other key stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Bristol Zoo Gardens will remain open as normal until late 2022 and visitors will not see an immediate change before it closes to the public.
The Wild Place Project just off the M5 will also remain open throughout, until it becomes the new Bristol Zoo in 2024.
As a wildlife and conservation charity, our plans demonstrate high environmental and sustainable standards and we want to ensure we give a helping hand to local wildlife f
Dr Justin Morris of Bristol Zoological Society