The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has today announced that she will be calling in the SnOasis planning application and that it will be subject to a Public Inquiry. The project would create a year round winter sports experience in the form of a themed activity resort for the whole family, and a winter sports centre of excellence for athletes in training.

Godfrey Spanner, Managing Director of Onslow Suffolk Ltd said: “This is a very disappointing outcome. I am surprised by the Secretary of State’s comments that SnOasis gives ‘rise to substantial regional controversy’. Nothing could be further from the truth. SnOasis was backed by thousands of people from across the region and also has the backing of EERA, EEDA, EETB, SDA, Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council and Somersham and Nettlestead Parish Councils as well as national bodies such as the British Olympic Association, Visit Britain and Snowsport GB.’

“A public inquiry could take up to two years and such a delay could be very costly, threatening the whole project. It also puts in jeopardy SnOasis’ ability to contribute to the region’s 2012 Olympic offering,” said Godfrey Spanner. “We remain committed to our vision for this site and this project, and will make the strongest case possible at the forthcoming Public Inquiry”.

The development would create 2,000 permanent new jobs, as well as providing new leisure and recreational facilities for local people. It is estimated 750,000 people would visit the destination each year yielding an annual injection of over £80 million into the local economy.

SnOasis is a development to create the biggest indoor ski slope in the world in Great Blakenham, Suffolk. The snow slope will be at the heart of a year-round Center Parcs-style family leisure resort focusing on winter sports. As well as the ski slope, there will be facilities for 13 other winter sports, including snow boarding, ice hockey, speed skating, ice and dry climbing walls, bobsleigh, luge and cross-country skiing. There will also be water sports, health and fitness centres, restaurants, bars, casinos, nightclubs, cinemas, and many other sports. The destination will also provide accommodation with 350 self catering chalets, a 350 room 4-star hotel and a 200 bed hostel.