Campaigners say ‘fight starts now’ after homes approved on former zoo

Campaigners are still hoping that no new flats and houses will be built on the former Bristol Zoo despite councillors approving the plans by a majority of six to three.

Save Bristol Zoo Gardens (SBZG) members have harked back to former plans that were later scrapped to build on areas of Clifton including the Lido, Whiteladies Cinema and even in the Avon Gorge to show that all is not lost.

The Guardian reported that “there was also anger” directed Marvin Rees, who on the day before the planning meeting had backed the plans in a tweet and hosted a blog by Bristol Zoological Society chief executive Justin Morris on his official mayoral blog.

As mayor, Rees’ roles include strategic planning, major projects and development management.

But by law, planning and development decisions are part of a local authority’s functions that must be taken independently of an elected mayor.

The morning after the meeting, former mayor George Ferguson tweeted about “the desecration” of the zoo site.

“Respect to @bristolgreen members for sticking to their principles. Shame on @MarvinJRees and @BristolLabour for trashing Bristol’s history and environmental credentials.”

Campaigners outside the former entrance to Bristol Zoo in March – photo: Mia Vines Booth

SBZGC co-founder, Tom Jones, said: “This decision is wrong: disastrous for Bristol, for heritage and for conservation.

“It is truly disappointing to see councillors from Labour, Lib Dem and Conservative parties on message with the mayor and taken in by the Zoological Society’s spin.

“10,000 people have signed the petition and hundreds have objected.

“Bristol City Council has not read the room. In Plymouth, Cambridge, London and Sheffield, councils are waking up to how strongly people feel about protecting their civic heritage and local environment.

“We will not stop until there is proper open consultation on the future of this beautiful iconic place.”

The approved proposals for the former Bristol Zoo site include 196 homes and publicly accessible gardens – image: Bristol Zoological Society

SBZGC co-founder Alastair Sawday added: “This decision was wrong on so many levels. Wrong on planning, wrong on delivering public benefit, wrong on the amount of social housing, wrong on the supposed guarantee of public access to the gardens.

“Only the Green Party councillors challenged the lazy methodology on biodiversity gain and the extraordinary failure by a conservation charity to show leadership in environmental safeguards.

“Bristol Council was wrong on plans to destroy the Lido, Whiteladies Cinema, Clifton Spa Pump Room and the proposal to build a tower block in the Avon Gorge. All saved and all to the greater benefit of this city.

“We will not stop until this decision is reversed. The campaign starts now.

“Bristolians, please join with us. It is never too late to protect what you love.”

Two visitors to the Bristol Zoo during its last week in September 2022 – photo: Martin Booth

In a statement, Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “We have always been confident in our plans for Bristol Zoo Gardens, which will bring much-needed housing for Bristol, as well as a new public park.

“Most importantly, this decision means we can look to the future, Saving Wildlife Together, with our visitors and supporters.

“This starts with the creation of a new zoo – Bristol Zoo Project – at Wild Place Project, our 136-acre site on the outskirts of Bristol. Constructions is expected to start in 2024 and we can’t wait!

“With more space, our charity will be able to provide excellent animal welfare, create opportunities for more visitors to come face-to-face with threatened animals, and inspire and educate the conservationists of the future.”

Main image: Bristol Zoological Society

Read next:

• Controversial plans for almost 200 homes at former Bristol Zoo site approved
• Bristol Zoo boss defends redevelopment of Clifton site ahead of decision day
• New parking charges on the Downs considered in plan to drive away van dwellers

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