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Bristol Zoo has lodged plans to continue using part of the Downs as an
overflow car park.
The zoo is seeking permission from Bristol City Council to park cars
on the designated site, near Ladies Mile, for up to 60 days a year.
The zoo's current planning permission to use the site for overflow
parking expires in March 2010. The zoo are applying for a
five-year extension.
The Downs Committee, which manages the Downs, recently agreed to renew
the licence granted to the zoo subject to receiving planning
permission from the council.
Pressure group Bristol Downs Watch is opposing the application because
it says it is improper use of the Downs and has already led to plant
species declining.
Zoo staff say they have worked with expert consultants to carry out a
comprehensive feasibility study to investigate any potential
alternatives to using overflow parking at Ladies' Mile.
They say work has shown there is a need to continue overflow parking
at Ladies Mile for some years to come, in order to meet the travel
needs of its visitors in a responsible way.
The zoo has also worked jointly with Bristol City Council on ways of
encouraging visitors to travel to the zoo by means other than the
private car. It continues to do so by reviewing and improving its
Green Travel plans.
But Bristol Downs Watch are opposing the application on the grounds that
using the Downs as a car park on 60
of the finest days of the year in the summer is not a proper use of
the area.
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