Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Plans for a new ski slope and leisure resort in Merthyr Tydfil have just taken a huge step towards becoming a reality.

In a letter, the Welsh Government has confirmed it will not call in the Rhydycar West planning application, but instead it will be passed back to Merthyr Tydfil Council to determine.

The council’s planning committee gave its backing to the plans back in March, and now the application will come back before them early in the new year for a final decision to be made.

At the meeting in March, councillors voted unanimously against the recommendation within the report, which was to refuse the application – essentially showing their support for the development.

Councillors spoke about the economic benefits it could bring to the town and the opportunities it could hold for future generations.

The letter, from the Welsh Government’s head of planning casework, confirmed that planning secretary Rebecca Evans is happy for the local authority to make the final decision.

The Rhydycar West resort would include the UK’s largest and longest indoor snow centre, which will be the official home and training headquarters for the UK (GB) and Welsh national, Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams.

It also includes plans for an indoor tropical waterpark, an indoor and outdoor adventure centre, resort hotels including woodland lodges, and a conference and events centre.

Ali Tyebkhan, CEO of Rhydycar West said: “We are delighted with Welsh Government’s decision. Achieving this key step is the result of many years of hard work and commitment from our team and partners.

“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked hard alongside us to achieve this milestone.”

He continued: “I would like to express our deep gratitude to the community of Merthyr Tydfil, the wider region and everyone we have worked with along the way.

“Your belief in and enthusiasm for this project has played a vital part in getting us to this point.

“Your continued support reinforces our commitment to delivering a transformational development with lasting economic, social, and regeneration benefits for the region. ”

Robin Kellen, chief executive at Snowsport Cymru Wales, said: “This news is massive for snowsports in Wales and the wider GB community and will result in increased opportunities for people to participate in skiing and snowboarding at a local and national level within Wales, as well as a huge step forward in the potential to develop competitions and training of our GB team athletes.

“Well done to the whole team behind Rhydycar West.”