PART of a public footpath in a city suburb could be diverted to allow the expansion of Chester Zoo.
Public rights of way officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council are recommending the change, affecting a 200m length of public footpath no 5 in Upton, should be approved.
The path starts on Flag Lane North and runs to the A41 along the access to Demage Farm.
It provides an alternative to walking on the verge of the busy road.
The new route would be on a straighter line than the present path within the zoo close to the boundary hedge with the A41, according to a report.
The development at the zoo would involve the construction of security fencing across the present footpath as a result of a new entrance and gateway to the farm, the report explains.
The fencing would be an unlawful obstruction of the right of way.
The new path would be 2m wide and would have a safety gate at the junction with the A41.
Consulted on the proposal, Upton ward councillors Jill Houlbrook and Hilarie McNae asked for the safety gate while the CPRE commented on the grass surface of the alternative route.
A decision is due later this month.
