Chester Zoo submits application for natural vision ‘biodome’ project

Dec 31 2009 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER Zoo has submitted planning applications for its ambitious Natural Vision project.

Following extensive consultations, detailed plans for the Heart of Africa biodome, together with expansion of the main entrance and car park, have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

These works form phase one of a major expansion programme that will transform Chester Zoo into one of the world’s top five zoos. An outline plan for the entire Natural Vision masterplan development that will see the size of Chester Zoo increase by 30% has also been submitted.

This hybrid planning application includes detailed drawings for the first phase. Future phases may include a hotel and conservation college.

The Heart of Africa building is a 34m high tropical biodome that will house an African rainforest-themed sanctuary for a band of gorillas, a large troop of chimpanzees, okapi and other species.

Prof Gordon McGregor Reid, director general of Chester Zoo, said: “It has taken a number of years for us to get to this point today and we would like to thank the Northwest Regional Development Agency and a range of other major stakeholders including the local community and our visitors for their feedback and support.

“For us, a key part of the planning process has been engaging with a number of different organisations together with a series of wide-ranging public consultations in order to gain support.

“The public consultations enabled us to take a view on how the development could help us meet local aspirations and also to address any concerns.

“We have submitted thoroughly researched and detailed plans which will now go through planning procedures.”