An animal conservationist wanting to open a zoo near Holmes Chapel says the facility is desperately needed. 

Conservationist, Melissa Mews, is the face behind Zoo2U which used to be based at Hall Farm in Alsager, says the plan for Holmes Chapel Zoo would help bring tourism to the area. 

She said Cheshire East doesn't have a zoo and the plan would not only create jobs but also put the area on the map. 

Melissa has had an interest in animals and reptiles all her life, starting as a young child and was until recently a councillor on Haslington Parish Council. 

Now she wants to take her love of wildlife and animals one step further and put the wildlife on show at land next to Bidlea Dairy in Holmes Chapel. 

Cheshire East Council refused a similar application for land at The Orchards Farm (Bidlea Dairy) on Twemlow Lane, in March last year. 

Now Melissa is hoping the current application from Zoo2U will get approved and the zoo will be able to open. 

"We want people to enjoy animals and offer a facility for families which is reasonable and doesn't cost the earth," she said. 

"There's always going to be a need for a zoo. We've had more than 1,200 signatures in support of our plan. 

"Everyone on site is in favour of it. Conservation and education go hand in hand," says Melissa, who has a degree in Animal Science and a Masters in Behaviour and Welfare. 

Melissa, who lives in Haslington, has worked all over the country and abroad in zoos and education, including a stint at Reaseheath College in Nantwich. 

She said: "We have 33 species and around 18 volunteers all counting on the zoo being opened. We're just a local family trying to run a business for the local community." 

The site is at The Orchards Farm (Bidlea Dairy) on Twemlow Lane. (Photo: Nub News),

"I've always loved animals and conservation. I used to record nature programmes as a child on video. 

"We got our zoo licence in 2022. We work within a 60-mile radius with our Zoo2U and also work with students from Harper Adams University, Reaseheath College and Macclesfield College."     

Melissa's Zoo2U business, which travels to schools and educational establishments all over the area, was based at Hall Farm in Alsager until they found the current premises. 

"This location is amazing and we're helping local businesses by bringing people to the area." 

Sandbach Nub News told here how the reasons for refusal last time were the proposed development would result in encroachment into the open countryside through development of open land and cause harm to its character and appearance and it would remove the existing open character and appearance of the site from the surrounding area. 

This latest application from Zoo2U has been submitted to address those matters and the proposal is for a zoo and wildlife conservation park including amenity buildings, visitor centre, animal enclosures, storage containers, access, parking and ancillary works. 

The application, number 24/1108C, can be viewed on the planning portal here A decision is due by May 16th.