SnOasis won't impact on ecology

SNOASIS would not impact on the ecology at the application site, an environmental expert said today.

Dr Mark Webb speaking on day five of the public inquiry into the £300million scheme said measures proposed by developer Onslow Suffolk would mitigate against any effect caused.

The huge winter sports complex forms part of a three pronged planning application, which includes a 421 home development and a £15million railway station.

Dr Webb, director of Peak Ecology Limited, a specialist ecology consultancy practice, gave evidence for Onslow Suffolk on his assessment of the impact the proposals would have on wildlife and geology.

He claimed that while Little Blakenham pit was an important resource for bats the application site was not of such significance.

He said that two of the three geological exposures which made up the Great Blakenham pit lay within the site but would not be harmed. Instead, Dr Webb said, they would benefit from “improved management and controlled public access.”

The effect on great crested newts has also been raised as a concern but Dr Webb claimed a scheme which entails capturing and re-housing the newts would counter any impact.

In his conclusion Dr Webb said the level of mitigation proposed by Onslow Suffolk meant the impact of the scheme on ecology would be “neutral to slightly positive”.

Dr Webb giving evidence before planning inspectorate John Gray at Ipswich Corn Exchange was the sixth witness to appear at the inquiry. Mr Gray has been appointed by the government to consider whether the development should be built.

Mid Suffolk District Council gave the proposals the go ahead last year but the government has ruled it will have the final say.

The SnOasis Community Alliance is opposed to the development. Tomorrow transport for the development will be under the spotlight.

The inquiry continues.