Eligibility Criteria
At least two months before making an application for a licence,
the applicant must give notice in writing (including by electronic
means) to the local authority of their intention to make the
application. The notice must identify:
- the zoo's location
- the types of animals and approximate number of each group kept
for exhibition on the premises and the arrangements for their
accommodation, maintenance and wellbeing
- the approximate numbers and categories of staff to be employed
in the zoo
- the approximate number of visitors and motor vehicles for which
accommodation is to be provided
- the approximate number and position of access to be provided to
the premises
- how required conservation measures will be implemented at the
zoo
At least two months before making the application, the applicant
must also publish notice of that intention in one local newspaper
and one national newspaper and exhibit a copy of that notice. The
notice must identify the location of the zoo and state that the
application notice to the local authority is available to be
inspected at the offices of Peterborough City Council.
Fees
Notification to operate a zoo £233
Application for a zoo licence £233
Renewal of a zoo licence £573
Change a zoo licence £573
Regulation Summary
Zoos are regulated by the
Zoo Licensing Act 1981
Application Evaluation Process
When considering an application Peterborough City Council shall
take into account any representations made by or on behalf of:
- the applicant
- the chief officer of police (or in Scotland the chief
constable) in the relevant area
- the appropriate authority - this is either the enforcing
authority or relevant authority in whose area the zoo will be
situated
- the governing body of any national institution concerned with
the operation of zoos
- where part of the zoo is not situated in the area of the local
authority with power to grant the licence, a planning authority for
the relevant area (other than a county planning authority) or, if
the part is situated in Wales, the local planning authority for the
area in which it is situated
- any person alleging that the zoo would affect the health or
safety of people living in the neighbourhood
- anyone stating that the zoo would affect the health or safety
of anyone living near it
- any other person whose representations might show grounds on
which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a
licence
Before granting or refusing to grant the licence, Peterborough
City Council shall consider any inspectors' reports based on their
inspection of the zoo, consult the applicant about any conditions
they propose should be attached to the licence and make
arrangements for an inspection to be carried out. At least 28 days
notice of the inspection shall be provided by Peterborough City
Council.
Peterborough City Council will not grant the licence if they
feel that the zoo would adversely affect the health or safety of
people living in near it, or seriously affect the preservation of
law and order or if they are not satisfied that appropriate
conservation measures would be satisfactorily implemented.
An application may also be refused if:
- Peterborough City Council are not satisfied that accommodation,
staffing or management standards are suitable for the proper care
and wellbeing of the animals or for the proper conduct of the
zoo
- the applicant, or if the applicant is an incorporated company,
the company or any of the company's directors, managers,
secretaries or other similar officers, or a keeper in the zoo, has
been convicted of any offence involving the ill-treatment of
animals
Applications to renew a licence will be considered no later than
six months before the expiry of the existing licence, unless a
shorter time period is allowed by Peterborough City Council.
The Secretary of State, after consulting Peterborough City
Council, may direct them to attach one or more conditions to a
licence.
Peterborough City Council may advise the Secretary of State
that, because of the small number of animals kept in the zoo or the
small number of the kinds of animal kept there, a direction should
be made that that a licence is not required.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that Peterborough City Council
must process your application before it can be granted. If you have
not heard from us within 60 days, please contact us. You
can do this online here
if you applied through the Business Link service or use the contact
details below.
How to Apply
You can apply online buy using the links
below
Notification of intention to operate a zoo
Apply
for a licence to operate a zoo
Apply to renew a zoo licence
Apply to change an existing zoo licence
You can also download the relevant application
forms by using the links below and return the competed form to us
at the address provided on the form
Notification of the
intention to operate a zoo
Application form for
licence to operate a zoo
Application form to renew a
zoo licence
Application form
to change or surrender an existing zoo licence
Public Register
For details regarding existing zoos, please contact the
Licensing Team
Failed Application Redress
Please contact Peterborough City Council in the first
instance.
If the applicant is refused a licence, they may appeal to a
magistrates' court or in Scotland to the sheriff within 28 days
from the date on which the applicant receives written notification
of the refusal.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact Peterborough City Council in the first
instance.
A licence holder may appeal to a Magistrates' court or in
Scotland to the sheriff against:
- any condition attached to a licence or any variation or
cancellation of a condition
- the refusal to approve the transfer of a licence
- a zoo closure direction
- enforcement steps relating to any unmet condition
The appeal must be brought within 28 days from the date on which
the licence holder receives written notification of Peterborough
City Council decision as to the relevant matter.
Consumer Complaint
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the
first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the
form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if
you are located in the UK, Consumer
Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK
contact the UK European Consumer
Centre.
Any person who wishes to appeal against a decision to close a
zoo may apply to the local Magistrates' court. Appeals must be made
within 28 days of the notice of the local authority decision.
Other Redress
If you have any issues regarding a zoofor example
compliants relating to; noise, pollution or possible non
compliance with regulations, please contact Peterborough City
Council for help and advice.
Contact Details
For help and advice please contact the
Licensing Team
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