The 'special circumstances' of the project 'are considered to outweigh the harm” on the local area.
A plan to build a new enclosure at Whipsnade Zoo to protect critically endangered species has been unanimously approved by councillors.
The Zoological Society of London submitted plans for two new buildings to house macaques and lowland anoa. The expansion will be located at The Green, which was previously used as stables and paddocks for wild horses.A report to Central Bedfordshire Council's development management committee said: "The proposal is considered inappropriate development within the greenbelt, but special circumstances put forward are considered to outweigh the harm."
The new development will cause the loss of 16 trees, but an equivalent number are due to be planted in an adjacent area to compensate, the