Bristol Zoo has been forced to cut costs and make roles redundant after facing a £300,000 legal bill over its plans to redevelop its former site.

The zoo’s plans for its former site in Clifton, to build almost 200 homes and create a playground, café and conservation hub, had initially been approved by Bristol City Council.

The council's decision then faced a legal challenge by residents' group Save Bristol Gardens Alliance, however, this has been dismissed this month by a court.

Dispute welcoming the decision to dismiss the appeal the Bristol Zoological Society’s chief executive Justin Morris warned that “responding to the campaigners’ lawyers has cost our charity more than £300,000 – vital funds which could have been spent on conservation and education”.

“As a result, this year we have had to cut costs dramatically and make roles redundant,” he added.

He urged campaigners to end their challenge to the site, which has also seen the charity delay plans to construct a new visitor centre at its new, larger site, as well as delay new parking and pedestrian and cycle access.

“Not only have we faced hugely expensive legal challenges including the Judicial Review, we have had to defend our charity from the spread of misleading, factually incorrect and alarmist information about the plans for the old zoo, he said.

“We hope today’s judgment brings an end to the campaign and allows our charity to make best use of its funds.

“Further attempts by campaigners in Clifton to delay the sale of the old zoo will prevent any further development of Bristol Zoo Project and continue to reduce our ability to invest in conservation.”

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