Licence Summary

To run a zoo in the District of Maldon, you need a licence from Maldon District Council.  

Eligibility Criteria

At least two months before making an application for a licence, the applicant must give notice in writing (including electronic means) to Maldon District Council of their intention to make the application.  The notice must identify: 

• the zoo's location;
• the types of animal 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 identfy the location of the zoo and state that the application notice to the Council is available to be inspected at the Council's offices.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the eligibility criteria for this licence

Application Evaluation Process

When considering an application, Maldon District Council shall take into account any representations made by or on behalf of:

• the applicant;
• the chief officer of police 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);
• 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 of which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a licence.

Before granting or refusing to grant the licence, the 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 carreid out.  At least 28 days notice of the inspections shall be provided by the Council.   

The Council will not grant the licence if they feel that the zoo would adversely affect the health or safety of people living 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:

• the Council is 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 incorporate 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-treatement of animals.

Applications to renew a lcence will be considered no later than six months before the expiry of the existing licence, but sometimes a shorter time period may be allowed. 

The Secretary of State, after consulting the Council, may direct them to attach one or more conditions to a licence.

The 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 a licence is not required.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

No.  It is in the public interest that Maldon District Council must process your application before it can be granted.  If you have not heard from the Council within 56 days, please contact them.

Fees

See Licence Application Fees

Apply Online

Send notification of your intention to operate a zoo

Application to run a zoo

Failed Application Redress

Please contact Maldon District Council in the first instance.

Any applicant who is refused a licence can appeal to the local Magistrates' Court.  The court may give directions on the issue of a licence. 

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact Maldon District Council in the first instance.

Any licence holder may appeal to a Magistrates' Court against:

• a condition attached to their licence or any variation or cancellation of a conditions;
• the refusal to approve the transfer of a licence;
• a zoo closure direction;
• enforcement steps to any unmet condition.

The appeal must be brought within 28 days from the date on which the licence holder receives written notification of the Council's decision as to the relevant matter.

Consumer Complaint

We advise that in the event of a complaint, you contact the trader first - 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.

Other Redress

If you are not happy about other issues such as nuisance (for example noise, dust and drainage), please contact Maldon District Council.

Trade Associations

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)