SNOASIS opponents are preparing to kick up their heels to celebrate taking the giant ski slope proposal to a public inquiry.Lobby group sNOasis Concern, which formed part of the opposition group SnOasis Community Alliance, is organising a ball to allow campaigners to celebrate the completion of the inquiry.
SNOASIS opponents are preparing to kick up their heels to celebrate taking the giant ski slope proposal to a public inquiry.
Lobby group sNOasis Concern, which formed part of the opposition group SnOasis Community Alliance, is organising a ball to allow campaigners to celebrate the completion of the inquiry.
While planning inspector John Gray will be far from ready to deliver his verdict when the ball is held, the campaigners said they will be celebrating the fact they were able to put their fight to the government at the public inquiry stage.
The inquiry is currently in recess after several weeks of hearings at Ipswich Corn Exchange and in Ipswich Town Hall.
The government ordered the inquiry after Mid Suffolk District Council gave outline planning approval to the SnOasis winter sports resort, an adjacent housing development and a new railway station for Great Blakenham.
After that decision, in April last year, many opponents of SnOasis argued such a large proposal for the town should go before a public inquiry and not be decided by the local council alone.
Developers Onslow Suffolk have applied to build the £300million ski resort, which the company said would become a huge tourist attraction, generating millions of pounds each year for the Suffolk economy, and it has also agreed to pay for the new railway station.
Persimmon Homes wants to build a 421-home development on the former Blue Circle cement works site, which lies adjacent to the former Mason's Quarry, which is the proposed site of the SnOasis complex.
The inquiry is due to resume hearings in May before Mr Gray prepares his recommendations for the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision on whether any, or all, of the applications should be allowed.
The End of Inquiry Ball will be held at Great Blakenham village hall on May 18. East Anglian-based band The Inflatables will play at the ball, and there will also be a bar, buffet and a raffle.
To book tickets e-mail tickets@snoasisconcern.com or call 01449 761873.
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