Science

Zoo boss calls pipeline plan on site 'unacceptable'

Proposals for a pipeline to transport carbon emissions to the coast would cut through the zoo.

Published August 20, 2026, 5:21 AM
Updated August 20, 2026, 5:31 AM2.0K
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Zoo boss calls pipeline plan on site 'unacceptable'

Christon said Chester Zoo bosses first wrote to Peak Cluster in March voicing their concerns about the route and met with project bosses in May to ask them to relook at the proposal.

Since then, Christon claims he has had no contact with Peak Cluster, leading him to believe there will be no changes made to the proposed route.

"We recognise development can be necessary and welcome progress on low-carbon infrastructure," Christon said.

"However, we're against bad development that would damage the irreplaceable habitats and ecosystems we're all working so hard to protect.

"Once it's gone, it's gone forever."

Christon added he wanted to see a route forward that worked for "people and nature alike".

"The decarbonising industry should not come at the expense of nature," he said.

"We believe the regional environmental impacts of the Peak Cluster pipeline, as proposed, are unacceptable.

"We're calling on Peak Cluster to come to the table and engage with us, with our neighbours on the Wirral, and with others working to protect wildlife across the region."

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