CHESHIRE West and Chester Council says it does not need to provide prior approval for Chester Zoo to demolish a decades old cafe and shop.

As The Standard reported yesterday, the zoo had submitted a planning application to knock down the old Fountains Restaurant which was built more than 50 years ago.

Chester Zoo says the building fabric is 'degrading' and 'limits the usefulness of the area', adding that the demolition would create a space for a 'commercial offer that is in keeping with the expanding Madagascar Zone'.

Responding to the application, Cheshire West and Chester Council states: "The council, acting in its capacity as the local planning authority, write to inform you that prior approval of the proposed demolition is not required."

A planning officer's report added: "Given the location of the proposed demolition being within the centre of the zoo complex, it is considered that the prior approval of the method of demolition and any proposed restoration of the site is not required."

The zoo intends to demolish the building over a 12-month period between September 2020-21.

The planning application said: "The building is a two-storey brick and block work structure with monopitch bituminous felt roofing. It was built approximately 50 years ago.

"It has served as a restaurant, retail shop and staff canteen during that period. The building fabric is degrading and the building structure limits the usefulness of this area of the zoo.

"Demolition will create an area for construction of a commercial offer that is in keeping with the expanding Madagascar Zone – currently housing a recently completed Lemur Enclosure – and comprising animal exhibits, play and education spaces."