Wildlife trust objects to Snoasis

The snow dome slope would be almost 500m long

A £350m winter sports complex in Suffolk would cause "significant" damage to the local environment, a wildlife organisation has claimed.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is objecting to plans for the Snoasis Centre, which would be built at Great Blakenham, close to Ipswich.

The site, a former cement works, would become home to Europe's largest indoor ski slope, and other facilities.

Developers claim it the scheme will create up to 1,000 jobs.

Significant loss

Some residents have already voiced their concern about the impact of the ski dome complex on the environment and increased traffic congestion.

They have now been joined by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, which is registering an objection to the planning application, saying there would be a "significant loss to biodiversity".

The application includes a 500m-long piste and other facilities for winter sports, including snow boarding, ice hockey, speed skating, ice and dry climbing walls and bobsleigh.

Developers claim the finished scheme would generate about 1,000 jobs and millions of pounds for the local economy.

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has given its backing to the complex.