A £42,000 ECONOMIC impact study is today under way on Great Blakenham's £330million SnOasis project.It will look into the viability of the three-pronged scheme, which includes a major leisure and winter sports complex, about 500 new homes and a new railway station.

A £42,000 ECONOMIC impact study is today under way on Great Blakenham's £330million SnOasis project.

It will look into the viability of the three-pronged scheme, which includes a major leisure and winter sports complex, about 500 new homes and a new railway station.

The results will help Mid Suffolk District Council decide on the planning applications currently under consideration as part of the plans.

The majority of the development will focus on the former Blue Circle Cement Works Site, although separate bids have been made for the housing development and train station nearby.

The study will look into all possible impacts of the project, with one focus being the potential opportunities for the Suffolk economy and workforce.

It is being carried out by DTZ Pieda Consulting and is the brainchild of the district council, along with other groups including the Suffolk and East of England Development Agencies. The results are expected by the end of April, when the council should reach a decision on whether to back the plans.

Roger Saunders, leader of the district council, said: "The economic impact study will provide the council with a thorough assessment of the long-term viability and possible economic benefit of SnOasis.

"The study, like all other considerations, such as current and future infrastructure requirements, will contribute to the determination of the SnOasis-related applications."

Judith Chorley, director of DTZ Pieda Consulting, said: "We're delighted to assist Mid Suffolk District Council in their assessment of the SnOasis project.

"The council is clearly committed to the robust scrutiny of the proposals and we look forward to working with both officers and members on this interesting assignment."

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