You could soon be able to stay overnight in a safari lodge, and wake up to see giraffes and other animals roaming freely.
That’s right… it’s finally happening.
It’s been a very long time coming, but this week – after several years of waiting following plans first being hinted at in 2019, and revised plans then being unveiled back in June 2022 – Chester Zoo has now been given the highly-anticipated green light to build dozens of savannah-style lodges on a plot of its land that’s currently not being actively-used.
A total of 51 lodges have been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning department as part of the ‘Grasslands’ development – with some of them set to overlook a lake, while others overlook an enclosure with free-roaming giraffes.
As mentioned, similar proposals to those that’ve been green-lit this week had been approved in 2019, but they had to be put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Plans have been approved to build dozens of new overnight safari lodges at Chester Zoo / Credit: Chester Zoo
Revised plans were then submitted in 2022 for 63 lodges, but this was later reduced to 51.
On top of the reduction to 51 lodges last year, a number of changes also had to be made to the design of the development’s welcome building to make it “simpler” in response to rising costs, according to reports by CheshireLive and BBC News.
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The approved plans include four types of lodges, all with a design based on traditional timber African safari lodges.
Alongside the 51 lodges, the Council’s planners have also approved a two-storey reception building with a bar and restaurant, an orientation lodge, and the groundworks for the all-important creation of a lake the development’s set to overlook.
Visitors will be able to wake up too see giraffes and other animals roaming freely / Credit: Chester Zoo
Given that the development is proposed for Green Belt land, this means it can only be built on if special circumstances are demonstrated, and other considerations also had to be taken into account by the Council’s planning committee too, such as the contribution the zoo makes to the local economy, and the benefits it provides to education and global conservation initiatives.
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But the planners’ report stated that all those requirements had been met in the latest proposals submitted by the zoo.
“Taken together, it is considered that these considerations outweigh the harm to the Green Belt and amount to very special circumstances,” the report stated.
It then concluded that: “On balance, subject to the conditions set out below and taking into account the provisions of the development plan and all other material planning considerations, it is recommended that planning permission be granted”.
A timeline for works, and predicted project completion dates are set to be announced in due course, so keep your eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
Travel & Tourism
You can live out your cowboy dreams on this northern wagon staycation
Thomas Melia
There’s a staycation in Yorkshire that’s perfect if you were one of those kids obsessed with cowboy hats, horses, and yelling ‘YEEHAW’ in your parents’ faces.
We all know that Haworth is home to some fantastic food, breathtaking views, and fascinating history – and is now housing a 19th century style wagon.
Called Pondenrosa, the American-style covered wagon sleeps two with a king-sized bed and a campfire, making it a great opportunity for couples to trial out glamping together.
This old-timey staycation isn’t stripped back all the way to the days of the Wild West as guests will be provided with a luxury that cowboys never had – an electric blanket.
You can even try your hand at campfire cooking with the retreat offering some complimentary beans to warm your soul.
If you’re no good at cooking or just want someone else to do it for you, Haworth’s main street is only a five minute drive away hosting some proper pub grub to delight your taste buds with.
There’s even a pub called the Wuthering Heights within walking distance a nod to the area’s connection to the Brontes.
You can live out your cowboy dreams on this northern wagon staycation / Credit: Canopy and Stars
After treating yourself to the best home-comfort meals in town, why not stroll along the cobbled street and pop into some local vendors supplying everything from sweets, chocolates and intricate handmade gifts.
It’s not surprising that this cosy West Yorkshire village is inheriting another piece of history, after all it was once the residence of literary greats the Brontës who took great pride in the natural landscape.
It’s not only literary works that Haworth is esteemed for, this small village is bustling with lots of arts and culture with BBC’s ‘Peaky Blinders’ and Channel 5’s ‘All Creature’s Great & Small’ filmed in the Yorkshire dales.
For any keen-eyed music fans, Pink Floyd filmed parts of their 1982 movie musical ‘The Wall’ in Haworth and the surrounding areas such as Keighley – only a 14 minute drive away.
Pondenrosa is a staycation in Yorkshire where you can stay overnight in a wagon / Credit: Canopy and Stars
You’re also only a short trip away from beautiful Hebden Bridge.
However you and the cowboys will have one thing in common – no phone signal, giving you a chance to fully unwind. Sometimes we all need a little digital detox.
So whether you want a chilled holiday or one packed full of mini adventures, why not do it in style… cowboy style.
Stays at Pondenrosa start from just £95 a night, and you can find out more and book your trip here.
Featured Image – Canopy and Stars
Travel & Tourism
You can take your dog to loads of staycation spots for FREE with this limited-time offer
Emily Sergeant
A dog is a human’s best friend, and what better way to have your companion on holiday with you than for free.
Want to go on holiday but always too soft to say no to those puppy-dog eyes? Well look no further, because Hoseasons has found you the perfect solution.
Keswick Lodge Retreat, which is situated in the heart of the Lake District, is home to lots of green spaces and walking routes, making it ideal for animal lovers and the perfect getaway for families with dogs, especially as it’s now one of the locations where Hoseasons is offering furry friends the chance to come along for free.
This Hoseasons park has dozens of lodges taking part in this doggy deal, and plenty of these plots even have a hot tub.
This means you can treat yourself to a spa day with an on-site bath, sauna and a relaxation room – and, of course, there’s a dog wash room too.
You can take your dog to loads of staycation spots for free with this limited-time offer / Credit: Supplied
If you book your next staycation between 3 September and 30 September for a holiday ranging from 6 September 2024 to 31 March 2025, you can bring your dog along for no extra cost (at selected locations).
Looking to go elsewhere though? Luckily, there are over 300 participating Hoseasons sites offering free dog places, meaning your furry friend won’t miss out on any of the fun.
Dogs are always welcome at Hoseasons sites. Whether it’s a lodge, park, or cottage getaway you’re looking for, there are more than 12,000 holiday spots that are dog-friendly, so you can take on the world together.
If you’re after some time without the family pet, the holiday company also has everything you need, as there are plenty of spots to choose from across the country with over 30,000 retreats and destinations in England, Scotland, and Wales.
So go on all you dog parents, why not treat your children and your four-legged children to a holiday that won’t break the bank?
Emily Sergeant -
15th May 2024 
