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Nabarro LLP helps secure planning permission for the world's first indoor winter sports resort
12 November 2008
Nabarro LLP has advised Onslow (Suffolk) Limited on its successful planning application for a £350 million major winter sports resort at Great Blakenham in Suffolk, known as SnOasis. On 6 November 2008, Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government confirmed her decision to grant planning permission for Onslow (Suffolk) Limited's scheme.
The scheme covers an area of 123 hectares including the regeneration of a former quarry. It comprises an indoor ski slope which is over 400m long and 70m wide with a drop of 100m with main and nursery slopes, an ice wall and a bobsleigh start. Associated facilities include a 350 bed hotel, 100 apartments and 350 chalets, an ice-rink with figure skating, speed skating and ice-hockey facilities, a conference centre and shops and restaurants.
The planning application had support from the local and county planning authorities, but was called-in for determination by the Secretary of State given its significance.
Martin Evans, head of Nabarro's planning team, provided strategic advice on the presentation of the case to the Secretary of State at a major public inquiry held in 2007 and also dealt with the negotiation of the relevant planning agreements.
The planning agreement package included a commitment to deliver 75 per cent of the development's energy consumption from renewable sources and a very extensive set of ecological mitigation measures for great crested newts, bats and other protected species.
Martin Evans at Nabarro commented:-
"It is fantastic that the Secretary of State has granted permission for this unique and flagship development. The decision sends a message that the Government is prepared to back innovative major schemes provided that they are highly sustainable in terms of energy use, access and their effects on wildlife and the environment. We are proud to have been a part of Onslow (Suffolk) Limited's team on this innovative project."
The planning permission is an addition to consents issued by the Secretary of State in May 2008 for a new railway station to serve the SnOasis development and also in granting planning permission for a near major residential development of 420 units where, again, the developer was advised by Nabarro LLP.
For further information please contact:
Charlotte Tandy
Lansons Communications
charlottet@lansons.com
TÂ +44(0)20 7566 9706
