Judicial review begins into Bristol Zoo’s redevelopment plans

A review is underway to scrutinise Bristol Council’s decision to approve plans to redevelop the site of the city’s former zoo.

Bristol City Council approved the plans to build 196 homes, a café, playground and conservation hub on Bristol Zoo’s iconic Clifton site following its closure in 2022.

A group of residents have opposed the plans, saying there could be a loss of bio-diversity and green space.

Bristol Zoo Gardens, which opened in 1836, said it needed to relocate to a larger site on the outskirts of the city near Cribbs Causeway to meet modern standards and enable it to care for larger animals.

Dr Justin Morris, CEO of Bristol Zoo Project, said: “It was clear that it wasn’t fit for purpose and when you look at the new Bristol Zoo Project, not only is it much larger than the Clifton site but its also got a lovely variety of different habitats which are more suitable for the different animals.”

The Bristol Zoo project also says the new development would allow access to the site’s gardens for free for the first time and say that this is legally binding.

“We really wanted to ensure that the gardens continued to be a public space for the people of Bristol and that’s something we’re really proud of in the scheme that’s been consented,” said Dr Morris.

“For the first time in its history, it’s a space that people can go into for free.

“That’s guaranteed because it’s enshrined in a legal contract called a section 106 agreement and any planning application has to be backed up by an agreement like that and the developer will have to abide by those terms.”

The review into the planning application has now concluded but a result may not be immediately available.