'Defending plans has cost us £300K'

Judge backs zoo homes decision

- Abigail NEEP

A CGI of how the new homes could look; Left, Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society

A HIGH Court judge has ruled that Bristol City Council followed all correct processes when granting planning permission for almost 200 new apartments on the site of the former Bristol Zoo.

The decision comes after the Save Bristol Gardens Alliance brought a judicial review against the authority claiming councillors were given incorrect information regarding the development in Clifton.

Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “We are really pleased with today’s decision. We have always been confident in our plans for Bristol Zoo Gardens, which will see the gardens accessible for free and bring much-needed housing to Bristol.”

The charity revealed that defending the legal challenge has cost more than £300,000 in legal fees which has forced them to cut costs and make roles redundant this year.

Dr Morris added: “We cannot state clearly enough, the impact and financial toll of these legal challenges and campaigns. In recent years we have faced a concerted campaign by individuals who have purposefully delayed the sale of Bristol Zoo Gardens, preventing us from accessing the proceeds and harming our charity and work.