Campaign gets ready to fight zoo land sale

Published on Saturday 10 May 2008 11:19

CAMPAIGNERS fighting Edinburgh Zoo's controversial plans to sell off land for homes are gearing up for the public inquiry.

The zoo's 72 million expansion plans were thrown into doubt last year after councillors voted to oppose the development of houses off Kaimes Road.

The plans are a key part of the zoo's masterplan and will be one of the main focuses at the local public inquiry in September.

The Friends of Corstorphine Trust has enlisted the help of planning experts from community councils to prepare a case ahead of the inquiry.

Eddie Price, chairman of the Trust, said he expects the zoo to challenge the council's ruling at the inquiry.

"Rather than going to appeal, this is the other way for them to do it," he said.

"We will be making it known to the inquiry reporters that the zoo should not be building on greenbelt land. It will all depend on which way the reporters go."

The zoo had hoped to sell off the land to raise up to 20m to help fund its 20-year masterplan to create a world-class visitor attraction.