‘The Bristol Zoo scheme will be a showcase development for a long time to come’

Naturally, Bristol’s media organisations reported extensively on the granting of planning consent for the Zoo Gardens scheme, which was determined by Bristol City Council’s Development Control ‘A’ Committee on April 26.

This was an important and complex planning application affecting a key part of Clifton Down and the future of Bristol Zoological Society, which has been at the heart of the city for over 185 years.

Personally, I was saddened that little of the reporting detailed the material planning considerations which dominated councillors’ debate.

But, instead, seemed to focus on the views of certain objectors to the Bristol Zoo Gardens planning application.

For example, I felt the outlandish and subjective comments of individuals such as George Ferguson trivialised and hijacked consideration of the key features of this ‘flagship’ scheme.

Referring to Mr Ferguson’s description of this planning application, I believe such ripe language as “betrayal” and “conspiracy” was ill-considered and utterly without foundation in fact.

Perhaps it says more about Mr Ferguson than the applicant of this scheme that he wildly alleged that the eventual approval was the result of a “Bristol Establishment stitch-up… and I should know”?

An aerial view of the proposed housing development on the former site of Bristol Zoo – image: Bristol Zoological Society

I would prefer to return to the real planning issues which helped persuade the overwhelming majority of councillors on the Development Control ‘A’ Committee to support approval of the application:

• It delivers 196 sustainable, well-designed and environmentally-friendly new homes (20 per cent of which were affordable housing) in a way which enhanced the quality of the conservation area;
• Almost 80 per cent of the Bristol Zoo Gardens site is communal enhanced open space in perpetuality (including a large free children’s play area) allowing access to Bristolians throughout day-light hours and the land is much more permeable and accessible than it ever was;
• The redeveloped site will achieve a minimum of 36 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Tree Preservation Orders have been placed on 28 high-value trees and a group of three trees, plus 470 new trees will be planted (far exceeding the Bristol’s Tree Replacement standard);
• Well-loved historic assets, for example the Bear Pit, Eagle Aviary and Monkey Temple – will be sensitively restored and maintained, to be part of the landscape;
• The Terrace Theatre is retained and a public art and culture strategy will ensure different groups come together on site;
• The famous entrance building will house a cafe and exhibition space and will become the new home for the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project.

In summary, I am convinced that the above positive grounds for voting for this ‘flagship’ planning application is the reason the bulk of councillors serving on the Development Control ‘A’ Committee did so.

This decision proves that Bristol is ‘open-for-business’ and puts high planning standards at the heart of growth and regeneration as the 21st century progresses.

It is my firm belief that the Bristol Zoo Gardens scheme will be a ‘showcase’ development for a long time to come and will allow Bristol Zoo to develop its work at Wild Place Project just north of Bristol for the next 185 years and hopefully beyond this.

Richard Eddy is a Conservative councillor for Bishopsworth – photo: LDRS

This is an opinion piece by Richard Eddy, a Conservative Party councillor for Bishopsworth and chair of Bristol City Council’s Development Control ‘A’ Committee

Main photo: Bristol Zoological Society

Read next:

• Wild Place Project to become Bristol Zoo Project
• Controversial plans for almost 200 homes at former Bristol Zoo site approved
• Campaigners say ‘fight starts now’ after homes approved on former zoo

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