Plans for new vehicle and pedestrian access to the dry ski slope in Bassingbourn Barracks have been approved by South Cambs District Council’s planning committee this week.

The decision means the ski slope, run by Bassingbourn Snowsports Centre based in the barracks, can reopen but it is subject to conditions which include a community liaison group to monitor traffic after concerns put forward by villagers.

The Snowsports centre was closed in March 2013 following the withdrawal of army personnel from the barracks.

David Bard is the chairman of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee, which approved the application on Wednesday.

“We are really pleased our decision will enable a unique sporting facility for the area to reopen.” he said.

“The decision was not straight forward as although there was lots of support locally, there were also concerns over traffic and access to the snowsports centre.

“All possible routes to access the facility were looked at carefully and Guise Lane was the only one viable that would allow it to be brought back into use.

“As part of the planning permission the snowsports centre has agreed to set up a local liaison forum with nearby resident representatives and the parish council so if any issues arise they can be addressed quickly.”