lift- wheels & tyres or suspension?

im knew to this geeky world but the bugs got me. i offroad my 07 110 about twice a month and im planning some european off road holidays. i would like to lift it to improve ground clearance but have been advised not to go the suspension route as this will have a negative on the handling on road (i do about 14k PA) several people have suggested fitting a 17" wheel with a 285 70 tyre to give roughly 1" lift to the axles. silverline were helpful and suggested hanook RT03 which they reckon are as good as BF Good ATs on the road and totally superior off. the US forums seem to back this.
Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated.

the only way to get extra ground clearance is to go bigger on yer tyre diameter. going the suspension route will lift yer body higher by 1 to 3 inches depending on what you go for, but has no affect on ground clearance, only on articulation. keep yer standard rims and go for a higher profile tyre. i went the suspension route [ome coils, springs] as well as tyres and road performance is better...the ride got stiffer but no more wallowing and excess lean in corners. just depends if u can live with it mate.