Major snow centre plan wins approval

MERTHYR

- ANTHONY LEWIS Local democracy reporter anthony.lewis@reachplccom

An aerial view of the how the Rhydycar West development in Merthyr could look

(Rhydycar West)

Tydfil is set to be home to the UK’s longest indoor snow centre after plans were given the green light.Major proposals for the new indoor ski slope and leisure resort in Merthyr Tydfil have been approved by councillors after the Welsh Gov-ermment ministers decided not to call them in.

It now means that the Rhydycar West development can go ahead.

Councillor Brent Carter said the project is “ground breaking” and a “complete game changer for Merthyr Tydfil”.

The development on land to the south west of the A470/A4102 roundabout includes an indoor ski slope, water park, indoor activity centre, outdoor activity centre, up to 418 bedrooms of hotel accommodation, up to 30 units of woodland lodge accommodation and up to 830 car parking spaces.

It is set to 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 at its meeting on Wednesday night.

During the debate, councillor Andrew Barry said: “We have the opportunity to change the whole socioeconomic dynamic of Merthyr here.”