A multi-million pound plan to turn Dudley Zoo and Castle into a world-class visitor attraction, complete with a mini version of the Eden Project, has taken a major step forward after winning the backing of council planners.

It has been more than two years since the £100 million scheme was drawn up but this week Dudley Council decided to give it the go-ahead, paving the way for around 1,000 new jobs.

The original application hit a stumbling block over the number of homes planned for land known as Peggy’s Meadow which has now been cut from 281 to 65 following an outcry from conservationists.

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A multi-million pound plan to turn Dudley Zoo and Castle into a world-class visitor attraction, complete with a mini version of the Eden Project, has taken a major step forward after winning the backing of council planners.

It has been more than two years since the £100 million scheme was drawn up but this week Dudley Council decided to give it the go-ahead, paving the way for around 1,000 new jobs.

The original application hit a stumbling block over the number of homes planned for land known as Peggy’s Meadow which has now been cut from 281 to 65 following an outcry from conservationists.

Zoo chief executive Peter Suddock said the planning approval was a significant breakthrough although funding issues still had to be ironed out.

As well as the new homes, the plans include creating a rainforest dome, dinosaur exhibition, garden centre, fitness club, pub, motel, food and drink outlets, a creche and 43 retail units.