A planning software from a zoo and animal rescue centre has been turned down as a result of it might trigger “hurt” to the Green Belt.
Wildway Wildlife Ltd utilized for momentary permission to function a “small mini zoo and animal schooling centre” on land at Lower Mount Farm close to Cookham, Berkshire.
Cookham Zoo has an unpaid crew of about 9 folks and about 70 animals.
Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council refused the retrospective software.
Its discovering follows an earlier choice to refuse the zoo a license.
The website opened on Long Lane final May, and utilized for momentary planning consent till New Year’s Day 2026.
Its animals embody meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs, royal pythons, and Czechoslovakian wolfdogs.
Noise issues
The applicant argued that the zoo benefited from “very particular circumstances” which allowed improvement within the Green Belt.
It identified that the appliance website was inside an existent business farm and farm store that already served the general public, and would offer native employment.
Its operators additionally mentioned it could make use of “poor high quality agricultural land”, and customer numbers can be managed through on-line ticket gross sales.
However, the council’s choice discover learn: “No very particular circumstances have been demonstrated that will outweigh the hurt to the Green Belt, which is afforded substantial weight.”
Planners additionally mentioned that the metallic containers, fencing, and exhausting surfacing can be “alien” to the encircling open farmland.
They additionally cited noise and parking issues, and a scarcity of “enhancements” to biodiversity.
In whole 45 letters of objection had been obtained, although an extra 72 wrote in assist.
One resident mentioned: “It has helped to avoid wasting and maintain varied endangered animals, which shall be at risk as soon as once more if the zoo had been to shut.”
Another wrote: “This zoo and the stunning informative talks helped my grandson. Please preserve it open.”
But others raised noise complaints, together with one neighbour who mentioned: “There are noises that come from this website – animals and occasion noises – which aren’t acceptable.”
The zoo is predicted to enchantment the choice.
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