FAMILIES could have the chance to get up close with small animals, reptiles and birds as plans were unveiled for a zoo at a former garden centre.

Proposals have been drawn up for the new attraction on land at the former Hilltop Nursery, Dowsett Lane, Ramsden Heath.

The Call of the Wild Zoological Park would open seven days a week if planning permission is granted, and has been compared to the former Tropical Wings Zoo in South Woodham Ferrers.

At least seven new jobs would be created.

A site spokesman said: “The next chapter in Hilltop Nursery; Planning permission is being sought from Chelmsford Council to convert the back half of Hilltop Nursery into a zoological park, featuring small animals, reptiles and birds, it will focus on conservation, education and research.

“Due to the site being open for more than seven days a year and based on the animals it will care for and allow the public to access a zoological license will be required.

“To keep things in perspective there will not be lions, tigers, giraffes or elephants the site just isn’t large enough for these sort of animals.

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Shut - the former garden centre site 

“If you can remember Tropical Wings in South Woodham this would be a good comparison.

“I hope most of you like the idea, obviously let us know your thoughts or concerns.

“If the zoological attraction is successful it would also give us the incentive and motivation to get the garden centre up and running again at the top of the nursery and hopefully we would see some of our old customers once again.”

Families and residents have expressed their delight at the plans for former garden centre site.

Lucy Greene, 33, said: “Somewhere that was genuinely pro-conservation and helping the local community be more aware and pro-active in what we can all do at home would be very much welcomed.”

Ian Grundy, Conservative councillor for South Hanningfield Stock and Margaretting, said: “Clearly parking issues will be top of the list and issues around if an animals escapes. The last thing we want to see is parking issues and increased traffic along this road.”