AN application to run a popular south Cumbria tourist attraction has been withdrawn and resubmitted with changes to its staffing and layout.

Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd is one of two applicants to operate South Lakes Safari Zoo but has altered its plans for the Dalton site, registering its new intentions with Barrow Borough Council.

READ MORE: Two separate bids made to run Dalton zoo

The bid has been adjusted to include plans for an extra ten staff in retail, admissions and maintenance, changes in layout and animal housing, adding a new animal director position, and creating a role for a full-time site vet.

The new application, which is again represented by chief executive Karen Brewer, means interested persons now have until Tuesday February 28 to give their feedback on the plans.

The other application comes from David Gill, who established the attraction in 1994 and is applying for a fresh licence despite the council having rejected an extension .

A statement from Barrow Borough Council said: "The application received on January 12, 2017 from Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd has been withdrawn; a new application has been received on January 23, 2017.

"Both applications have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 following the previously published notices of intention."


South Lakes Safari Zoo in Melton Terrace, Lindal. Under the application process, Barrow Borough Council must take into account representations from:

- The applicants;

- The chief officer of police;

- The local fire service;

- Governing bodies of national institutions concerned with the operation of zoos;

- Anybody alleging the zoo would affect the health or safety of people living nearby;

- Anybody with evidence to show grounds for refusal to grant the licence.

These individuals still have until Friday to respond to Mr Gill's plans.

In July, the council's licensing committee unanimously rejected renewal of Mr Gill's zoo licence, agreeing with inspectors who said Mr Gill was "not a fit and suitable person" to manage such an attraction after issues around animal welfare were raised.

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Under the law, when a licence holder who has been refused extension applies for a fresh licence, the existing licence continues in force until the application is processed or withdrawn.

Any representations must be made in writing to the environmental health manager at Barrow Borough Council, Town Hall, Duke Street, Barrow, LA14 2LD, or by email: envhealth@barrowbc.gov.uk

Copies of the applications can be viewed here .