The chairman of a Bristol planning committee has defended a controversial vote to approve almost 200 homes at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. Critics of the development claimed the decision was an “establishment stitch-up”, amid enormous public opposition to the scheme.
Bristol Zoological Society closed the zoo last year and now has planning permission to build 37 houses and 159 flats there. A large part of the gardens will be kept open to the public for free, with upkeep and maintenance paid for by future residents.
Conservative Councillor Richard Eddy, chairman of the development control A committee — which granted planning permission on April 26 — criticised comments made by opponents of the scheme, such as George Ferguson, a Clifton resident and former Bristol mayor.
Read more: Zoo site in Clifton to be turned into 200 homes despite huge public opposition
In an open letter, he said: “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. 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’?”
Cllr Eddy added that he was 'saddened' that news reports about the decision focused on the views of opponents to the scheme, rather than the reasons councillors on the committee chose to grant planning permission. During the committee meeting last week, Mr Ferguson said he felt 'betrayed' by zoo bosses.
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.”
Six councillors on the committee voted in favour of granting permission, while three Green councillors voted against the new homes. According to Cllr Eddy, reasons for the decision included making the gardens free to access for the public, planting new trees, and keeping and restoring historic features of the zoo.
He said: “[The scheme] delivers 196 sustainable, well-designed and environmentally-friendly new homes, 20% of which were affordable housing, in a way which enhanced the quality of the conservation area. Almost 80% of the Bristol Zoo Gardens site is communal open space in perpetuity, including a large free children’s play area, allowing access throughout daylight hours, and the land is much more permeable and accessible than it ever was.
“The redeveloped site will achieve a minimum of 36% Biodiversity Net Gain. 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 Bristol’s tree replacement standard.
“Well-loved historic assets — such as 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 café and exhibition space and will become the new home for the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project.”
But the benefit to the environment was previously disputed by campaigners from Save Bristol Zoo Gardens, who said that more than 150 trees would be chopped down for the scheme, and questioned the “outdated” way that Bristol Zoological Society measured the impact on biodiversity.
Construction on the Zoo Gardens is expected to begin in 2025. Money raised from the scheme will help the zoo move to its new location at the Wild Place Project, near Cribbs Causeway north-west of Bristol. Cllr Eddy said the decision to grant permission showed that Bristol is “open for business”.
He added: “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, just north of Bristol, for the next 185 years — and hopefully beyond this.”
