Despite strong opposition, Bristol City Council has granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Bristol Zoo Gardens site in Clifton.

The redevelopment of the site includes building 196 new homes for Bristol (20% affordable) and will also provide free public access to the gardens for the first time in 186 years.

The sale of the 12-acre Clifton site will help fund the creation of a new Zoo at Wild Place Project, which will have conservation at its heart. Construction on the Zoo, which will be known as Bristol Zoo Project, will start in 2024, with the zoo growing and evolving over a number of years.

Dr Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “We have always been confident in our plans for Bristol Zoo Gardens, which will bring much-needed housing for Bristol, as well as a new public park.

“Most importantly, this decision means we can look to the future. This starts with the creation of a new Zoo – Bristol Zoo Project – at Wild Place Project, our 136-acre site on the outskirts of Bristol. Constructions is expected to start in 2024 and we can’t wait!”

The Society originally submitted a planning application in May 2022 for the Clifton site, before revising and resubmitting it in late October 2022, in response to feedback from Bristol City Council, Historic England and Design West. Throughout the process, Bristol Zoological Society has led the application to ensure the legacy of the Gardens is protected.

The Grade II listed entrance lodge will be retained by Bristol Zoological Society, providing a café, exhibition space, community rooms and public toilets, as well as a permanent base for the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project. A nature-inspired playground and theatre are also included

Other plans include 196 high-quality, sustainable homes, located mainly around the perimeter of the site. Homes will range in size to encourage different generations to live there.