The chairman of a Bristol planning committee has defended a controversial vote to approve almost 200 homes at Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. Critics of the development claimed the decision was an “establishment stitch-up”, amid enormous public opposition to the scheme.
Bristol Zoological Society closed the zoo last year and now has planning permission to build 37 houses and 159 flats there. A large part of the gardens will be kept open to the public for free, with upkeep and maintenance paid for by future residents.
Conservative Councillor Richard Eddy, chairman of the development control A committee — which granted planning permission on April 26 — criticised comments made by opponents of the scheme, such as George Ferguson, a Clifton resident and former Bristol mayor.
