The Secretary of State has today (Thursday 6 November 2008) announced that the Snoasis development at Great Blakenham will go ahead.

Tim Passmore, Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council said: “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has finally made the decision to approve the Snoasis development. Officers and members of Mid Suffolk have already put a lot of time and effort into the planning stages of this, and now that it has been given, approval work will continue.

“This development will bring many benefits to the area including a new rail link to London Liverpool Street, and also much needed improvements to the A12 and A14. It is also anticpated that this will create around 3,500 jobs. Local businesses will also benefit, with more tourism coming into Suffolk and hopefully the possibility of providing goods and services to help build and develop the new complex. At a time when the economy is suffering, it is good to hear of the opportunities that this project will bring to the local area.”

Mid Suffolk District Council anticipate the submission of further planning applications to address matters of detail in the next few weeks, and once these permissions are granted, work may then commence on site.

-ENDS-

Media contact:

Vicky Smy, Senior Communications Officer at Mid Suffolk District Council, tel: 01449 724850, email: vicky.smy@midsuffolk.gov.uk