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Controversial plans for almost 200 homes at former Bristol Zoo site approved
Councillors have approved controversial plans for almost 200 homes on the former Bristol Zoo site despite large public opposition.
Under the new plans, money raised from the development will contribute to keeping the site’s historic gardens open to the public.
However critics say the net biodiversity loss outweighs the environmental benefits of the plans, and raised concerns about traffic and the architectural heritage and quality of the homes.
is needed now More than ever
The plans received just 60 supporting comments, and nearly 1,000 objections, including those from Bristol Tree Forum, Clifton College, Clifton and Hotwells Improvement Society, Bristol Civic Society and Avon Gardens Trust.
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Read more: Zoo boss defends redevelopment of Clifton site ahead of decision day
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Among those in attendance was environmental campaigner Alastair Sawday and former Bristol mayor George Ferguson, both at the forefront of the Save Bristol Zoo Gardens Campaign, and Justin Morris, the CEO of Bristol Zoo.
Speaking at the committee, Ferguson 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.”
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Green councillor, Fi Hance, said: “It feels like we are having a gun put to our head.
“Either you vote for affordable housing and something I find to be mindbendingly ugly, or we vote against something and we deny people affordable housing. I cannot believe there is not another way to provide housing and affordable housing on this site.”
Some speakers at the meeting weren’t able to voice their views after being told by the chair of the development committee, Conservative councillor Richard Eddy, that clapping in favour of some speakers had taken up too much time. Among those unable to speak was SBZG lead Tom Jones.
Speaking to Bristol24/7 after the result, zoo boss Justin Morris said: I’m really pleased at the outcome.
“I’m pleased because it means we can continue to move forward with our overarching strategy and in particular our plans for the Bristol Zoo project.
“Those who have not been pleased with the scheme, have been quite consistent in their views throughout the process of the application. From our perspective what it really enables is an opportunity to continue to progress and continue to move forward.
“It’s not the end of the planning process. But what it clearly enables is for us to continue our strategy and the Bristol Zoo Project site at more than ten times the site of the Clifton Zoo site is where the future of Bristol Zoo lies.”
Main photo: Bristol Zoo
Read next:
- Zoo boss defends redevelopment of Clifton site ahead of decision day
- ‘The Bristol Zoo development will result in a biodiversity net loss’
- Hundreds march to protest plans for former Bristol Zoo site
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