Rhydacar West could become a hub for winter sports in South Wales and the rest of the country, according to developers who say it will bring million into the local economy. It looked touch and go, given environmental impacts on the local area, but the council said it was their ‘duty’ to green light the huge project.
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00:00Well, many people thought it wasn't going to happen, but Merthyr Tydfil could soon become
00:07a skiing hotspot for the whole of Wales, and really the rest of the UK, as their local
00:11council gave the green light for plans to build the country's biggest ski slope.
00:16The Rydercar West development is set to have a 400 metre long slope, making it the longest
00:21in the UK, and up there with some of the longest anywhere in the world.
00:24One local councillor called the plans a once in a lifetime opportunity for Merthyr, and
00:28the projected income for the area would be a huge benefit.
00:32Plans include an indoor snow centre, tropical water park, activity centres both indoor and
00:37outdoor, over 400 hotel rooms, woodland lodge accommodation, and over 800 car parking spaces.
00:43There were plenty of worries about the environmental impact of the plans, including a number of
00:49significant natural protected areas that would be affected by the project, including a site
00:54of specific scientific impact, a site of importance for natural conservation, and
00:59ancient woodland which is covered by a tree protection order.
01:02There are also historical sites on the land, including a Grade II listed building, a scheduled
01:07ancient monument, and the location is part of Merthyr Tydfil landscape of outstanding
01:11historical interest.
01:15Councillors though saw it as their duty to provide this huge project for current and
01:18future generations, given the possibility of millions brought into the local economy
01:23every year, as much as £38 million annually according to developers.
01:29Next though comes the planning inspectorate, who will have to pass the plans in order for
01:33it to take the next steps, so nothing is for certain yet, but the prospect of Merthyr being
01:37a hub of winter sports is creeping closer.
01:41James Beach Watkins, reporting for Local TV.