CHESTER ZOO has lodged revised plans for spectacular overnight hotel lodges overlooking animal habitats.
Previously, we reported last year the zoo had submitted proposals for 63 lodges next to the A41 Moston Road on the approach to the zoo's car park.
It followed initial proposals by the zoo for 42 safari-style lodges and tents in 2019, which were lodged and approved, but the onset of the subsequent Covid pandemic and lengthy lockdowns put paid to any significant zoo development work.
What the proposed overnight lodges will look like at Chester Zoo. Source: Gillespies planning document.
The revised plans scale back the number of proposed lodges to 51, plus an orientation lodge to help guide people on arrival.
All the lodges would be waterside, with views overlooking giraffes.
What the proposed overnight lodges will look like at Chester Zoo. Source: Gillespies planning document.
In a new design and access statement, planning consultants Gillespies, in association with design team Buttress Architects and BDP Engineering, said: "Following stakeholder engagement and consultation with the local planning authority, the applicant, the North of England Zoological Society (NEZS) is proposing a revised scheme that significantly reduces the number of lodges, allows for the existing attenuation pond to remain untouched and also captures a few minor design changes led by operational modifications and further detailed design resolution."
The scale of the project has been reduced in size, they added, while: "The overnight accommodation proposals will provide the opportunity for guests to have an extended visit to the zoo to allow them to become more immersed in grasslands and the wider zoo offer.
What the proposed overnight lodges will look like at Chester Zoo. Source: Gillespies planning document.
"This luxury proposal will provide restaurant and bar facilities for guests, and a collection of uniquely themed lodges all set within a naturalistic and subtly stylised environment that is representational of the African grassland landscape.
"The overnight accommodation provides direct access for guests into the main Zoo to strengthen the connection between the grasslands zone and this site, and reinforces the NEZS's conservation and educational messages through the creation of a habitat rich and biodiverse landscape and a communal events island space for conservation talks."
What the proposed overnight lodges will look like at Chester Zoo. Source: Gillespies planning document.
The Welcome Building would have a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the first floor would contain a small bar, lounge/restaurant area and external terrace with views over the giraffe paddock and lake.
The safari-style lodges would be in one of four types of building, one with an L-shape and one in an organic shell shape.
What the proposed overnight lodges will look like at Chester Zoo. Source: Gillespies planning document.
An island in the centre of the on-site lake would provide a focal view for guests and creates an inaccessible area perfect for wildlife to thrive, while a giraffe feeding station would extend out into the Bachelor Giraffe paddock.
A pedestrian walkway to the overnight accommodation would have viewing opportunities into the painted dogs as part of the journey.
The revised plans are due to be decided by Cheshire West and Chester Council at a later date.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here