February 15, 2019 - 1770 views
Plans submitted by one of the countries top architects for an ambitious project at the Welsh Mountain Zoo failed to impress planning bosses at Conwy Council.
However a recommendation to refuse planning for a new Snow Leopards enclosure was ignored by the planning committee after Zoo Director Nick Jackson made an impassioned plea for members to think about the impact such decision would have on the zoo, the animals and on tourism in general.
Members of the public on Facebook and Twitter have praised the committee's common sense at a time when the council is under fire for a number of their recent policies.
The Snow Leopards Silk Road project has been on-going for many years with crowd funding and local support being an integral part of the project. Permission from councillors will now see a half a million pound investment enclosure and visitor centre being built.
The building designed by award winning architect D2 will feature timber raised viewing platforms over two levels and will feature a rocky outcrop and woods for the snow leopards along with a glazed viewing area for guests.
Ruthin and Chester based D2 have much experience in this field and have worked closely with Chester Zoo for many years.
It is expected that prepatory work on the building will start very shortly.
