A huge new resort boasting the UK’s longest ski slope and a massive indoor waterpark has been given the green light.
The multi-million-pound mega-development is set to include an indoor snow centre, a tropical waterpark, an indoor and outdoor adventure hub, up to 418 hotel rooms, 30 woodland lodges and around 830 parking spaces.
The sprawling plans from Marvel Ltd cover land just south-west of the A470/A4102 roundabout in Rhydycar West, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, as reported by Need To Know.
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Despite officials advising councillors to refuse it back in March 2025, the project was backed by the local authority.
The application was then referred to Welsh Government ministers for scrutiny, sparking fears that it could be halted.
But now, in a major win for developers, the Welsh Government has confirmed it won’t be calling the scheme in – effectively giving it the go-ahead.
The plans will now return to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council for final sign-off, with the outline application expected to land before the Planning, Regulatory and Licensing Committee early next year.
In a letter, the Welsh Government’s Head of Planning Casework said: “The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning has concluded that while issues of conflict with national policy exist, in this case they are of a scale and complexity which she is content for the LPA to consider.
“The application will not be called in for determination by the Welsh Ministers.”
If approved, the resort will boast what’s billed as a “world-class sport and leisure” destination, including the UK’s largest and longest indoor ski slope, set to become the official home and training base for Team GB and Wales’ Olympic and Paralympic snowsport athletes.
Ali Tyebkhan, CEO of Rhydycar West, said: “We are delighted with the 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.
“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 have 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 of Snowsport Cymru Wales, added: “I’m delighted and excited by the news today concerning planning permission for the Rhydycar West resort.
“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.”
