Plans for a “once in a lifetime” £300 million ski resort in Merthyr Tydfil have received strong backing from local councillors, despite planning officers recommending refusal. The Rhydycar West development will now be considered by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), which will determine whether to call it in for further scrutiny.
Ambitious Development PlansThe proposed Rhydycar West scheme includes an indoor snow centre, a tropical waterpark, an indoor activity centre, and an outdoor activity area. Plans also outline up to 418 hotel rooms, 30 woodland lodge accommodations, and parking facilities for up to 830 vehicles. The project, submitted by Marvel Ltd, covers land southwest of the A470/A4102 roundabout.
Supporters of the development argue it will provide a significant economic boost, creating 842 jobs upon completion, 663 of which are expected to be filled by local residents. The project is forecast to contribute £317.6 million in gross value added (GVA) during construction and generate £38.1 million annually for the local economy. Developers claim it will bring around £300 million in capital investment to Merthyr Tydfil.
A site with historical and environmental significance
The site has a long industrial history, with remnants of mining activities, spoil tips, canals, and railway infrastructure still visible. It also holds Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and a Grade II Listed building and forms part of the Merthyr Tydfil Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest.
Additionally, the site includes the Cwmglo and Glyndyrus Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Rhydycar West Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), and an area of ancient woodland. Some of the woodland is protected by a tree preservation order (TPO), and a network of public rights of way extends through the area. To address ecological concerns, developers propose Blaencanaid Farm as an off-site compensation area for any environmental impact that cannot be mitigated within the development site.
Councillors express strong support
Councillor Clive Jones described the proposal as the largest application to come before the committee in decades, stating: “The long-term economic benefit to Merthyr Tydfil would be substantial, and if the £38.1m in ongoing income happens, it will be unbelievable.” He added that the town desperately needs investment and that the council has a duty to act for future generations.
Councillor Declan Sammon echoed this sentiment, calling the project a “once in a lifetime opportunity” that would benefit future generations. He emphasised that if the application progresses, the responsibility will lie with the Welsh Government and developers to deliver on promises.
Councillor Gareth Lewis highlighted the minimal number of objections, stating: “Many people want to see the potential of projects like this taken forward.” He argued that the reasons for refusal were limited and that further mitigation efforts could be explored.
Councillor John Thomas stressed the economic benefits, saying: “The development brings substantial economic advantages to the county borough. We can’t allow a once in a lifetime opportunity to pass us by.” Councillor Lee Davies added that the proposal aligns with both local and national planning policies and includes a comprehensive mitigation strategy. “It will reinforce Merthyr Tydfil as a major leisure and tourism destination,” he said.
Public opinion divided
Public feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive, with 141 letters of support and 23 objections initially submitted. A further 282 letters of support and two objections were confirmed during the committee meeting, alongside a petition in favour of the development, signed by over 2,800 people.
Supporters cite economic growth, job creation, and increased tourism as key benefits. They highlight the potential boost to local businesses, supply chains, and the wider Cardiff Capital Region. Advocates also praise the project’s eco-friendly features, including renewable energy and green infrastructure, as well as improved leisure opportunities for local residents.
However, opponents argue that the development contradicts local and national planning policies. Concerns include the project’s visual and landscape impact, potential harm to historic sites, increased road congestion, air and noise pollution, and threats to local wildlife. Objectors fear damage to the SSSI, native tree populations, and historic canal features, alongside risks of flooding and ground instability due to existing mine shafts. Some also worry that the facility will prioritise professional ski teams over public use and could set an unwarranted precedent for further large-scale development in the area.
Planning officers’ reasons for refusal
Despite council support, planning officers recommended refusal, citing three key reasons:
•. The loss of part of the Cwm Glo and Glyndyrus SSSI, which is not deemed essential for its management, with no agreed development plan in place.
•. Inadequate mitigation and compensation measures for the Rhydycar West SINC, due to outdated and insufficient information failing to ensure a net biodiversity gain.
•. The project’s scale and design, which would not effectively integrate with the surrounding landscape, causing an unacceptable adverse visual impact on the Merthyr Tydfil Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest and the Merthyr West Flank Special Landscape Area (SLA).
What Happens Next?With councillors rejecting planning officers’ recommendations, the application will now be reviewed by PEDW. The Welsh Government will decide whether to call in the application for further assessment, determining the project’s future.
If approved, the Rhydycar West development could transform Merthyr Tydfil into a leading leisure and tourism destination, but significant hurdles remain before work can begin.
