Controversial zoo plans approved despite hundreds of objections
Controversial plans to build 200 homes on one of Bristol’s most historic sites have been approved despite huge public opposition.
Thousands of people objected to the plans to build the homes at Bristol Zoo, which closed last year.
But members of Bristol City Council approved the scheme yesterday.
The zoo closed last September and part of the money raised from the new development will help pay to keep the site’s historic gardens open to the public.
The zoo was located in one of the most desirable parts of the city but critics are upset about the environmental impact on the area.
Former Bristol mayor George Ferguson has been one of the leading critics of the scheme.
He said: “I feel deeply betrayed by the management and trustees of the zoo who have conspired to dismiss viable alternatives, two of which I know have been the subject of pre-planning applications and received positive responses.
“Make no mistake, this is a Bristol establishment stitch up — and I should know. This is the last chance for Bristol to stick to its ecological principles and put ourselves onto the right side of history.
“We will be laughed at from outside this city if you approve this dire application. It will be ugly, it will be inappropriate, and it will provide a derisory contribution to our affordable housing need.”
The plans will see 196 houses built on a 12 acre site, 20 per cent of which will be affordable.
Bristol Zoo
The Grade-II entrance lodge will be redeveloped into a café and exhibition space.
A separate planning application for 62 homes on the zoo’s west car park was approved in November last year.
Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “I understand that closing the gardens has provoked strong feelings — people love the zoo. But we have worked respectfully with the community, staff, officers and statutory bodies in what I think will be held up as an exemplary scheme.
“That includes us opening up the much treasured gardens for free. If people really care about the Zoo Gardens, they should support our plan with its profound benefits for people and nature. And if they really care about wildlife conservation, and engaging in the next generation of conservationists, they should visit our new zoo and be part of our journey to save wildlife together.”
The society submitted a planning application in May 2022, before resubmitting it in October after feedback from the council and Historic England.
The zoo is moving to a new site in South Gloucestershire close to the M5 motorway.
