The Council’s Environment Division issues licences for zoos and, as this is specialist field, works with various partners including the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The regulations governing zoos are complex and if you are thinking of setting up a zoo, you are recommended to contact a specialist officer first for advice and guidance on the process.
The Council cannot consider an application unless at least two months notice of the application has been given, plus publication of details in a local and national newspaper, and a notice placed on the site.
The authority consults with the police, fire authority, governing bodies of any national institute concerned with zoos, the adjoining local authority if the zoo overlaps the area of that authority and any person wishing to object on the grounds of alleged injurious effect on the health or safety of persons living in the area.
The authority will arrange an inspection by a consultant inspector from a list of suitable inspectors nominated by the Secretary of State. A zoo licence currently lasts for six years.
For further information please email licensing@southnorthants.gov.uk.
For more information please contact:
Licensing Team
Telephone: 0845 2300226
Email: info@southnorthants.gov.uk