Zoo plans for Natural Vision Project

CHESTER Zoo has submitted revised plans for its Natural Vision projec

The amendments to the planning application have been sent to Cheshire West and Chester Council and follow a continued period of consultation with local councillors and residents.

The proposals for a garden/plant centre and second hotel on land near to the park and ride at the zoo entrance have been removed from the application following local dialogue.

The application for a 150-bed themed hotel on land near the A41 will remain.  Natural Vision will see the Zoo become more than a one-day visitor experience. The hotel will help cater for the extra visitors. The proposal will enhance the Zoo’s tourism offer and chime with and support the Zoo’s charitable mission in conservation, education and science.

The Natural Vision application, originally submitted in December last year, includes plans for the Heart of Africa biodome, together with expansion of the main entrance and car park.

The Heart of Africa building is a tropical ecosystem. It will be an African rain forest-themed sanctuary for a band of Gorillas, a large troop of chimpanzees, Okapi and other rare and threatened species.

Simon Mann the Development manager says:

'In terms of Heart of Africa it will provide an absolutely unique animal attraction destination. Massive economic benefit in terms of jobs. We see ourselves as a catalyst for major expansion in tourism in Chester, Cheshire and the North West.'