THERE was joy and desperation on opposing sides of the SnOasis debate today when the government announced a public inquiry would be held to decide the future of the huge indoor ski slope.

THERE was joy and desperation on opposing sides of the SnOasis debate today when the government announced a public inquiry would be held to decide if the indoor ski slope should be built.

After weeks of consideration, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government revealed that a planning inspector would be appointed to analyse Mid Suffolk District Council's decision to give outline planning approval to the £350million winter sports complex, which is proposed for Great Blakenham.

The inquiry will also analyse whether approval should be given to a new railway station for the village and to a 421-home development opposite the SnOasis site.

Opponents of the massive leisure complex welcomed news of the public inquiry while developers Onslow Suffolk said they were “devastated”.

For full story see tomorrow's Evening Star.