Chester Zoo biodome
An outline plan for the entire Natural Vision masterplan development, that will see the size of Chester Zoo increase by 30%, has also been submitted.
This hybrid planning application includes detailed drawings for the first phase.
Future phases may include a hotel and conservation college.
The Heart of Africa building is a 34m high tropical biodome which will house an African rainforest-themed sanctuary for a band of gorillas, a large troop of chimpanzees, okapi and other species.
Earlier this year, commercial director of the zoo, David Titmuss, predicted the domed eco-system – around the size of Wembley stadium – would be a major boost for the north-west economy.
