License - Zoos
The Council would prefer applicants to apply, register or give notification online if at all possible. It will remain possible, however, to arrange for the Licensing Administrator to send you the application/registration form you require or for you to collect forms at the Council's main office at Kilncraigs. You can also download a PDF of the form on the Licensing Application Forms page and lodge the completed form with the appropriate fee and necessary supporting documents with the Licensing Administrator by post or by calling at Kilncraigs.
Licence summary
To run a zoo in England, Wales or Scotland you need a licence from the local authority for the area within which the zoo will be situated. Clackmannanshire Council is the licensing authority for the local authority area of Clackmannanshire.
The licence shall be subject to conditions about implementation of conservation matters and may be subject to conditions to ensure the proper conduct of the zoo including insurance against liability for damage caused by animals.
An application fee of £250 is payable.
Eligibility Criteria
At least two months before making an application for a licence, you must give notice in writing (including by electronic means) to the Council of your intention to make the application. The notice must identify:
- the zoo's location
- the types of animals and approximate number of each group to be 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 at the location of the proposed zoo.
The notice must identify the location of the zoo and state that the application notice to the local authority is available to be inspected at the local authority offices.
Regulation Summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application Evaluation Process
When considering an application the Council shall take into account any representations made by or on behalf of:
- the applicant
- the Chief Constable of Central Scotland Police
- Central Scotland Fire & Rescue Authority
- 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 Council, a planning authority for the relevant area
- 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 on which the authority has a power or duty to refuse to grant a licence
Before deciding your application, 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 any licence granted and make arrangements for an inspection to be carried out. At least 28 days notice of the inspection shall be provided by the Council.
The Council will not grant a licence if they consider that :
- the zoo would adversely affect the health or safety of people living near it,
- seriously affect the preservation of law and order or,
- they are not satisfied that appropriate conservation measures would be satisfactorily implemented.
- the Council are 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 incorporated 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-treatment of animals
- you do not have planning permission for a zoo which will be in force for the period of the licence.
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 Scottish Ministers 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 the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local authority within a reasonable period, please contact it. You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.
Apply Online
Application for a licence to operate a zoo
Notification to operate a zoo
Application to change a zoo licence
Application to renew a zoo licence
Failed Application Redress
Please contact our Licensing Administrator in the first instance.
If the applicant is refused a licence, you may appeal to the Sheriff of Tayside, Central & Fife at Alloa within 28 days from the date on which the applicant receives written notification of the refusal.
The Sheriff's decision is final.
Licence Holder Redress
Please contact our Licensing Administrator in the first instance.
A licence holder may appeal to the Sheriff of Tayside, Central & Fife at Alloa against:
- any condition attached to a licence or any variation or cancellation of a condition
- refusal to approve the transfer of a licence
- a zoo closure direction
- enforcement steps relating to any unmet condition
The Sheriff's decision is final.
Consumer Complaint
We advise that in the event of a complaint you firstly contact the licence holder- in writing (with proof of delivery). If you are still dissatisfied and you are located in the UK, plase contact Clackmannanshire Council. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Any person who wishes to appeal against a decision to close a zoo may appeal to the Sheriff of Tayside, Central & Fife at Alloa. Appeals must be made within 28 days of the notice of the local authority decision.
The Sheriff's decision is final.
Other Redress
If you have a concern or complaint about any other matter for example, noise or pollution, please contact our Licensing Administrator in the first instance for further information and guidance.
Trade Associations
None
Please note that fees lodged with any Licence application are non-refundable.
Page & Site Tools
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Licensing Administrator, Community and Regulatory
Kilncraigs, Greenside Street, Alloa, FK10 1EB
Tel: +44 (0)1259 452093 / 450000
Email: licensing@clacks.gov.uk
