BOSSES at Bristol Zoo are due to outline their plans for a major educational "world first" eco-attraction at Easter Compton.

Representatives of the Clifton-based zoo will be attending Almondsbury Parish Counci''s April meeting, it was revealed this week.

After discussing the plans for a £30 million eco-zoo and learning centre with South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet, the zoo's director Dr Jo Gipps will now outline the designs for the Hollywood Estate to parish councillors.

At Tuesday night's parish council meeting, the news of the visit was welcomed by councillors eager for details of the huge development which has been dubbed Hollywood Towers.

Chairwoman and district councillor Cllr Sheila Cook said that because the next parish council meeting is in Easter Compton she thought it appropriate to invite Dr Gipps.

She said: "The zoo is hoping to put in a planning application soon but is waiting to hear whether it has been successful in applying for lottery funding.

"At the meeting Dr Gipps will update local people and give them a broad overview of the plans. He will tell us what they intend to do and answer our questions."

She said a public meeting would be held after funding had been confirmed for the zoo or when a planning application had been submitted.

Lions, wildebeest, giraffes and chimpanzees would be given new homes at the sanctuary, which would work towards protecting endangered species from across the globe by creating much-needed eco-systems.

It will also feature rainforests and deserts and will be an educational world-first, aimed at teaching people how to be environmentally friendly.

Bristol Zoo owns the land and has outline planning permission for the 137-acre site but is required to submit a detailed version of buildings, enclosures and their style plus how the quarter of a million visitors expected will access the site and park.

Cllr Cook said she welcomed the idea, which has been in the pipeline for several years.

But, she added: "My over-riding concern is how we manage the traffic situation at Junction 17 of the M5, which is already very busy."

The zoo's main entrance would be opposite the Bristol Golf Club on the B4055, where a roundabout is planned.

Added Cllr Cook: "It plans to open 365 days a year so traffic plans must be well thought out before any part is opened.

"We do not want villagers any more cut-off than they are already and we must foresee problems with emergency vehicles getting through.

"I don't think people are that bothered about what happens inside the zoo but traffic will be the main area of questioning."

Cllr Diane Wilson said: "We seem to keep putting the cart before the horse. We as councillors have always made of point about the volume of traffic in South Gloucestershire."

A traditional zoo will remain at Clifton for smaller animals. The new eco-zoo will be opened gradually over a 20-year period if its funding is secured in the spring.

Cllr Tom Sanday was reassured that time would be allowed for a question and answer session between Dr Gipps, councillors and residents at the April 5 meeting in Easter Compton Village Hall (7.30pm).