News from Clifton councillors Paula O’Rourke (Independent) and Jerome Thomas (Green)
Challenge to Zoo site planning approval concludes
The recent Judicial Review (JR) brought by the Save Clifton Zoo campaigners against Bristol City Council’s planning decision has now concluded, with the judge dismissing all three grounds of challenge. In earlier columns, we had anticipated this outcome, as the grounds were on very technical and minor matters. As part of the ruling, the campaign group was directed to pay the capped maximum of £10,000 in costs.
While the campaigners will cover their own legal bill, the wider costs to the Zoo and to Bristol City Council—ultimately borne by taxpayers—have been considerably higher.
Justin Morris, CEO of the Zoological Society, explained the impact: “Responding to the campaigners’ lawyers has cost our charity more than £300,000 – vital funds which could have been spent on conservation and education. This money could have paid for 35,000 disadvantaged children to visit the zoo for free as part of our Access to Nature Programme, or funded six years of our field conservation work in Bristol and the West of England. As a result, this year we have had to cut costs dramatically and make roles redundant.”
Bristol City Council has not yet confirmed its own total legal costs, though defending JR claims typically requires significant staff time across both legal and planning teams.
The ability for citizens to challenge decisions through Judicial Review is an important part of democratic accountability. However, it is equally important that such actions are taken with a realistic prospect of success, given the financial and operational pressures these challenges place on public and charitable bodies.
Jerome notes the continuing significant concerns about the Zoo’s choice of developer, Acorn Property Group, to whom the Zoo have sold the site. The company and its associated companies have a history of failed developments and unpaid creditors. Given this track record, further progress on the site, now that planning permission has been granted, may not be plain sailing!
Hotwells and Cathedral Primary Schools update
In previous updates we have shared the news that the proposed amalgamation of Hotwells an§d Cathedral Primary schools has been rejected by the Department for Education (DFE). However the challenge of too many school places for not enough primary school age children remains and Jerome has been liaising with the schools, the local community and the DFE to help work out the best long term sustainable solution.
We are still awaiting the notes of the DfE meeting where the decision not to amalgamate was taken, and these notes will reflect the nature of the discussion and the considerations when the DfE took the decision. The DfE has invited further engagement from the local community and has committed ‘to ensure the best possible outcome that works for all parties, and particularly including the families and children of the School Communities.’
Why there were no Christmas lights in Clifton in 2025
During the redevelopment of Princess Victoria Street, we emphasised the importance of creating a space that feels welcoming and enjoyable, particularly during the festive season. We were therefore pleased to secure £5,000 from Bristol City Council, which was passed to the Clifton BID to provide Christmas lights along the street.
Paula worked closely with the BID team to coordinate the lighting design, installation and the permissions required—from businesses, highways, and had listed building consent agreed. Most permissions were secured, but unfortunately, approval could not be obtained from property owners for the installation of small anchor bolts on a couple of buildings. Without these, the lighting design couldn’t be safely or effectively delivered, and we reluctantly had to abandon plans for 2025.
We know many residents were disappointed, and we share that feeling. We want to reassure everyone that work has already begun to resolve the outstanding issues. Our aim is clear: to have Clifton’s Christmas lights up and sparkling for 2026.
What we’ll be working for in 2026
Here are some of the priorities we’ll be pursuing on your behalf in the coming year:
• Progress on the Clifton Down development site: now that we have identified two of the directors, we will be seeking clarity on the future of the site.
• Second phase of the ‘alternative waste collection’ scheme: this would remove black bins from the streets for those living above shops.
• A flexible policy on using parking bays for outdoor trade: limited removal of bays—only for tables and chairs—could offer valuable support to local independent cafés and restaurants.
• Reducing the speed limit on Hotwells Road to 20mph to improve safety.
• Securing a solution for the Mardyke Steps, which continue to deteriorate amid uncertainty over responsibility for repairs.
• Getting the Christchurch Green and Zoo bus stops reinstated.
• And of course, delivering Christmas lights for 2026!
Happy New Year to you all. We are both looking forward to continuing our service in 2026 and feel confident that we can work jointly for Clifton, even though we are not so politically aligned anymore,
Paula and Jerome
Contact us
Jerome Thomas: cllr.jerome.thomas@bristol.gov.uk
Paula O’Rourke: cllr.paula.orourke@bristol.gov.uk