Chester Zoo Natural Vision public consultation
- Thread starter Crabbit
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BBC NEWS | UK | England | Merseyside | Zoo's rainforest plans considered
The BBC's take on the story (doesn't say anything different from the zoo's article I think)
The BBC's take on the story (doesn't say anything different from the zoo's article I think)
What exactly is the point of the public consultation? To see how much of the mega-expensive deal goes through? To seek approval from people in the country? I personally think that Chester comes across as one of if not the best zoological park in all of the United Kingdom, and the "Heart of Africa" complex will probably cement the zoo as one of the best in Europe. It must be tremendously exciting for all of the ZooChatters on this forum who regularly visit Chester.
[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_consultation]Public consultation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]
I don't know if that clears anything up
The main aim would usually be to make sure the local community are aware of what is being built, so if any of them have any strong objections to anything they can make them known at a point in the process where things could be changed if necessary. Saves getting halfway through building it, then someone pointing out that they've blocked a public right of way, moaning about unexpected construction traffic or altered road access, or that sort of thing.
It's all good community relations stuff, but is unlikely to have too much bearing on what is actually built unless the community rises as one against it (very unlikely).
It's all good community relations stuff, but is unlikely to have too much bearing on what is actually built unless the community rises as one against it (very unlikely).
Indeed - hence the need for the publicity!
More seriously, you do make a good point - all of that should be covered anyway in the planning process, but the more they can draw people's attention to it in positive way early on the less likely they are to get problems down the line. Win-win, really.
Indeed - hence the need for the publicity!
More seriously, you do make a good point - all of that should be covered anyway in the planning process, but the more they can draw people's attention to it in positive way early on the less likely they are to get problems down the line. Win-win, really.
True, the last thing they need is an LA-esque halt to construction half-way through the project because of a sudden opposition (although I do realise LA's was in different circumstances...)
taun
Well-Known Member
Its actually required by law and is also part of the planning submission process.
I am planning on going to see what they have to say, but I am not sure if they will be able or willing to answer my questions.
Natural Vision is a huge development beyond anything that Chester have undertaken before. Maybe it will all run smoothly and we will have a world class exhibit. My worry is what if it does not go smoothly? Chester could quite easily end up bankrupt if it all goes wrong.
I want to know:
How are they going to fund it?
How are they going to manage it?
What contingencies will they have in place for unforseen, unplanned and unexpected events?
This development looks great but there are huge risks that have not been addressed publicly by Chester. Maybe the consultation will address this issue or is it just a PR exercise to meet legal requirements? Hopefully I will find out after attending.
Natural Vision is a huge development beyond anything that Chester have undertaken before. Maybe it will all run smoothly and we will have a world class exhibit. My worry is what if it does not go smoothly? Chester could quite easily end up bankrupt if it all goes wrong.
I want to know:
How are they going to fund it?
How are they going to manage it?
What contingencies will they have in place for unforseen, unplanned and unexpected events?
This development looks great but there are huge risks that have not been addressed publicly by Chester. Maybe the consultation will address this issue or is it just a PR exercise to meet legal requirements? Hopefully I will find out after attending.
The public consultation involves the details in the planning process, not where the funding is coming from. Secure funding is a private matter allthogether and remember that NZES-Chester Zoo is a private operation (sometimes I say thankfully).
NZES-Chester Zoo deserves praise that they observe their full adherence to the legally binding planning process and consultation period with this challenging development.
NZES-Chester Zoo deserves praise that they observe their full adherence to the legally binding planning process and consultation period with this challenging development.
Private is an ambiguous word. Chester Zoo is not a public body, nor is it a private company, in terms of UK law. It is a registered charity subject to the regulation of the Charity Commission, so it is a not-for-profit organisation and can benefit from certain tax concessions, notably Gift Aid. Basic financial details are shown on the Commision's website
Charity overview
The annual reports and accounts are also available from this website.
Alan
I know, I was simply saying that as they are not governed in themselves by municipal government and hence have some leverage in moving forward. In my experience a municipally administered zoo is always having to go with the flow of the political agenda of the day (which may or may not be in the zoo's direct favour). Chester Zoo-NZES have no such strings attached. Thankfully, they do have a healthy and good neighbourly relationship with Chester City Council. Aside from this, NZES owns all the surrounding countryside ... so no public or private land issues in the immediate vicinity either (it helps ...)! 
PS: I am biased offcourse as a supporting member of Chester ... it is simply a zoo and management with lots of foresight and vision. I am pretty convinced that if we were to score a world zoo listing Chester Zoo would rate amongst the highest ranking zoos in the world.
PS: I am biased offcourse as a supporting member of Chester ... it is simply a zoo and management with lots of foresight and vision. I am pretty convinced that if we were to score a world zoo listing Chester Zoo would rate amongst the highest ranking zoos in the world.
Zooplantman
Well-Known Member
Did anyone attend these meetings? What was learned?
The project has the support of the public.
Chester public support 225m Natural Vision project to expand Chester Zoo and create Heart of Africa bio-dome, hotel and education centre - Ellesmere Port Pioneer
I'm concerned that planning permission will be sought later this year, it was to have been in September. I have a nagging feeling that the project will be delayed.
Chester public support 225m Natural Vision project to expand Chester Zoo and create Heart of Africa bio-dome, hotel and education centre - Ellesmere Port Pioneer
I'm concerned that planning permission will be sought later this year, it was to have been in September. I have a nagging feeling that the project will be delayed.