One town is set to become home to the UK’s longest indoor snow centre after the proposals received official approval. The ambitious indoor ski slope and leisure resort project in Merthyr Tydfil has been granted permission by councillors following the Welsh Government’s decision not to step in.
This development paves the way for the Rhydycar West scheme to move forward. Situated southwest of the A470/A4102 roundabout, the complex will feature an indoor ski slope, water park, indoor and outdoor activity centres, up to 418 hotel rooms, as many as 30 woodland lodge units, and up to 830 car parking spaces. The venue is planned to serve as the official training facility for the GB and Welsh national, Olympic and Paralympic snow sports squads.
The project took a significant step towards becoming reality when Merthyr Tydfil Council’s planning committee granted approval on Wednesday, January 7. Councillor Andrew Barry stressed that the wellbeing of local residents remains their foremost priority.
He told council that to tackle deprivation in Merthyr “we need positive economic solutions”, reports Wales Online. He indicated that prosperity could be delivered through developments of this magnitude. Cllr Barry emphasised the scheme’s capacity to spawn new enterprises and inspire ambition amongst residents.
He further underscored the advantages for the supply chain stemming from the development, alongside the injection it would provide to both the local and regional economies. He remarked: “We have the opportunity to change the whole socio-economic dynamic of Merthyr here.”
Cllr Brent Carter branded the project “ground breaking” and a “complete game changer for Merthyr Tydfil”. Voicing his enthusiastic backing, he declared it would “massively support and boost our economy in Merthyr Tydfil”.
He saw it as the perfect moment to position Merthyr Tydfil as a “world class destination of choice”, concluding: “Merthyr Tydfil needs Rhydycar West.”
Cllr Julia Jenkins argued they’ve been overlooked for far too long, noting how Bike Park Wales has already delivered substantial benefits to the vicinity. She predicted a surge in tourists and implored: “We must grab this opportunity with both hands.”
Previously, the Welsh Government had directed the council to withhold planning consent for the proposal whilst deliberating whether it ought to be escalated to Welsh ministers for final judgement.
In March 2025, the planning committee defied officer recommendations by voting to approve the application. By November 2025, the council received confirmation from the Welsh Government that ministers would not intervene in the decision.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning concluded that while there are conflicts with national policy, they are of a scale and complexity that she is comfortable for the local planning authority to handle.
The committee’s report on 7 January indicates that the Welsh Government has acknowledged conflicts with national planning policy. However, the original recommendation to the committee remains unaltered.
The report further highlighted that since members have chosen not to accept the officer’s recommendation, it now falls upon them to approve the application subject to conditions and the terms of a Section 106 agreement.
The proposed development also encompasses associated earthworks, access routes, drainage systems, service and utility connections, and infrastructure.