Chester Zoo has submitted plans for safari-style hotel lodges to be built overlooking animal habitats and lakes.
The family attraction is hoping to build 63 lodges on a grassland area it already owns near to the car park and the A41. Chester Zoo originally submitted plans in 2019 for 42 safari-style lodges and tents, but the pandemic forced this proposal to be put on hold. Now, the zoo has revealed much bigger plans.
The new proposal includes 54 lodges in varying styles and sizes to begin with, with the option to add a further nine in the future. The lodges will sleep four to six people which include a king size bed and bunk-beds.
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In order for those staying in the lodges to get a safari experience, there are plans for the shape of the giraffe habitat to change so guests can watch the animals strolling past their lodge. There will also be two giraffe feeding stations extending out to the Bachelor Giraffe paddock, one for all guests to enjoy and the other a private feeding area for two of the lodges.
The accommodation will have a natural look, taking inspiration from the pangolin’s body armour of overlapping scales. Timber shingles will be used to create “textured natural façades”.
As well as the lodges, Chester Zoo’s plans include a Welcome Building with a reception and a 120-cover restaurant and bar for overnight guests and daytime visitors to enjoy. There will also be enlarged lakes around the new safari-style area, so that all lodges have a waterside aspect.
A savannah-style enclosure is also part of the proposal, consisting of a variety of trees appropriate for an African landscape. Chester Zoo submitted the planning application in June and is currently awaiting a decision.
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