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Merthyr Tydfil is going to be home to the UK’s longest indoor snow centre after plans were given the green light.

Major plans for the new indoor ski slope and leisure resort in Merthyr Tydfil have been approved by councillors after Welsh Government decided not to call them – meaning the Rhydycar West development can now go ahead.

The application for the Rhydycar West development, on land to the south west of the A470/A4102 roundabout, includes an indoor ski slope, water park, indoor activity centre, and outdoor activity centre, as well as a hotel with up to 418 rooms.

It also includes up to 30 units of woodland lodge accommodation and up to 830 car parking spaces.

It would be the official training headquarters for the GB and Welsh national, Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams.

And it is now set to become a reality after Merthyr Tydfil Council’s planning committee approved it on Wednesday January 7.

The Welsh Government had previously directed Merthyr Council not to grant planning permission for the application, in order to allow for further consideration as to whether or not the application should be referred to the Welsh ministers for their determination.

In March 2025, the planning committee voted not to support officer recommendations to refuse the application.

And in November 2025, the council received confirmation from Welsh Government that the application would not be called in by Welsh ministers.

The cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans, concluded that while issues of conflict with national policy exist, in this case they are of a scale and complexity which she is content for the local planning authority to consider.

Since the original report was presented to the committee in March 2025, one email of support has been received endorsing the skiing opportunities it would give to the next generation.

One email raising objection has also been received in that time, covering a range of topics, including concerns over biodiversity in the area – highlighting Gelligaer and Merthyr Common as the most biodiverse area of the UK.

The report for committee on January 7 says the Welsh Government has acknowledged issues of conflict with national planning policy exist and the original recommendation to committee is maintained.

But it adds that given members have agreed to not accept the officer recommendation, it is now before members to approve the application subject to conditions and heads of terms for a section 106 agreement.

The application also includes associated earthworks, access, drainage, servicing and utilities connections and infrastructure.