Plans to build an indoor ski centre with a giant grass roof in Hemel Hempstead were given the go-ahead yesterday.
Last year, plans by Hemel Ski Centre to replace its dry ski slope with real snow runs covered by an aluminium hanger were rejected by the council over the look of the new building.
But at a Dacorum Borough Council meeting last night, planning chie
fs gave the all-clear to fresh plans for an indoor ski centre to replace the dry slopes off St Albans Hill.
The revised design includes plans for a giant grass roof to help the new centre blend into the Bennetts End horizon.
A spokesman for Hemel Ski Centre said at the meeting: "We have actually only received one objection to the scheme.
"There will be no significant adverse impacts on (residents]."
Councillor Derek Townsend said: "One thing I do look at is the green roof – I think it's a wonderful idea.
"I wonder if LeisureWorld (in Jarman Park] may take a hint."
Following the decision by the council to grant permission for the indoor ski centre, work on the site in Wheelers Lane is expected to start and finish in 2007.
Once completed, the new centre could have the largest grass roof in the UK, and is expected to attract around 150,000 skiers and snowboarders each year.
CONTACT US, TELL US YOUR NEWS, TELL US YOUR VIEWS ETC ON THE NEWS
