AMBITIOUS plans to build a £225m “Eden of the north” at Chester Zoo have been given the green light by the Government.

The zoo’s Natural Vision project includes a “Heart of Africa” biodome, a hotel and expansion of the main entrance and car park.

Doubts were cast over its viability after the Government scrapped the NWDA.

The zoo had approval in principle for a £40m grant from the NWDA and European Regional Development Fund towards the scheme, but in August the NWDA confirmed this was one of more than 100 projects in the North West hit as it cut millions of pounds from its budget ahead of its abolition.

But Dr Mark Pilgrim, Chester Zoo’s director general, said: “We are delighted with the Secretary of State’s decision.

“The announcement is the culmination of many years of hard work and extensive public consultation.

“In light of the decision, the zoo will now take stock of the project as a whole and agree the best way forward from here.

“We would like to thank the organisations, particularly the NWDA, other bodies, individuals and community groups that have supported us this far.

“We would wish to reassure them and our neighbouring communities that we will continue to work with them as the project unfolds.”