Four public forums are to be held to allow local residents to comment on plans for the £225m transformation of Chester Zoo into one of the largest conservation, animal and leisure attractions in Europe.

The multi-phase Natural Vision project outlines proposals for the long-term development of the Cheshire attraction, including the £90m Heart of Africa bio-dome to provide the first domed ecosystems of its kind in the UK. Plans for the Heart of Africa dome, which will comprise the first stage of development at Chester Zoo, will provide an African rainforest-themed environment for a range of species, including gorillas, chimpanzees, Okapi and tropical birds.

Four public forums are to be held during July in order to enable zoo officials to explain the project in more detail, as well as also inviting members of the local community to contribute their views on the scheme. Simon Mann, Chester Zoo development director, said: "Natural Vision is the largest development project ever to be undertaken by Chester Zoo and will ultimately provide an unrivalled visitor experience and make a major contribution to conservation and sustainability."

A planning application for the first phase of development is expected to be submitted in the autumn, which is also set to include a 120-bed themed hotel and a revamped entrance that will eventually link to the zoo's proposed marina development alongside the Shropshire Union Canal. Heart of Africa, which will include a series of connected domes, has been designed by London-based architects Proctor & Matthews and will also incorporate an interactive water ride and themed dining facilities.

It is expected that the entire Natural Vision project will be completed by 2018.