SnOasis protestors in helium balloon publicity stunt » Local Government » 24dash.com

Campaigners opposed to a proposed £320 million winter sports complex in Suffolk are launching a helium balloon to show how high the proposed ski jump will be on the skyline.

Mid Suffolk Council has given outline planning permission for the SnOasis scheme on the site of the former Blue Circle cement works at Great Blakenham.

Campaign group SnOasis Concern is launching the 20ft-long balloon on Sunday which will fly 60 metres up.

In a statement on the SNOasis Cocern website, the group stated: "To show everyone just how big the proposed SnOasis ski Ãâ"dome will be, sNOasis Concern is launching a helium 'blimp' on Sunday.

"As you may know, the proposed SnOasis ski-dome will rise 73 metres (242 feet) above the surrounding land.

"The papers submitted to the Snoasis panning Committee only took into account a trial balloon flown at 40 metres - almost half the height of the proposed building. We have raised funds to fly a helium 'blimp' over the SnOasis site at the correct height to show residents just how big the proposal actually is.

"However, we have run into objections from the CAA and Wattisham airfield that this balloon may cause a navigation hazard."

If built the Snoasis complex is expected to create up to 3,000 jobs and contribute £70 million plus to the region's economy.

Its supporters say it will put Suffolk on the map as a major new tourist destination, comparable with the impact the Eden Project had on Cornwall.

The idea behind the complex is to create the 'ultimate all-year-round winter sports resort' with the world's biggest indoor ski slope as its centrepiece.