PLANS for the country’s first National Wildlife Conservation Park, to be built in Almondsbury, have been backed by two top conservation groups.

The £70 million park, which would be created in the Hollywood Tower Estate off Blackhorse Hill by Bristol Zoo, has now gained the support of Natural England and Avon Wildife Trust.

The two groups initially objected to the proposals for a 55-acre nature park, which would see bears, giraffes and zebras roaming the Almondsbury estate.

There were concerns about damage to ancient woodland and existing wildlife such as bats, badgers, water voles, great crested newts and slow worms.

However, the conservation groups have now withdrawn their objections.

A spokesman for Natural England said: "Natural England recognises the efforts that are being made to keep this damage to a minimum. Furthermore, we are confident of the applicant’s commitment to improving management of the woodland areas, within and outside the enclosures, and to achieving environmental enhancement elsewhere on the site.

"We also recognise the potential benefits of the development in terms of improving public understanding and appreciation of ancient woodland."

This support has been received in the same week planning bosses from South Gloucestershire Council visited the Almondsbury site.

Last Friday, members from the authority’s development control committee visited the Hollywood Tower Estate to meet with officials from Bristol Zoo about the application.

Jo Gipps, director of Bristol Zoo Gardens, said: "It was an extremely useful trip, as it allowed members of the planning committee to relate our exciting plans for the National Wildlife Conservation Park to the layout of the existing landscape and to ask for further information where necessary.

"Bristol Zoo Gardens is committed to the conservation of habitats and wildlife species, both at home and abroad.

"Great care has been taken to ensure that our proposals for the development of the National Wildlife Conservation Park will complement the special character of the site.

"We are using the park’s development as an opportunity to protect and enhance the ecological value of the site, as well as introducing globally endangered species into an exciting and educational visitor attraction."

South Gloucestershire Council's development control committee is due to make a decision on the National Wildlife Conservation Park next Thursday, November 26 (2.30pm).