Blake Morgan advises on Rhydycar West as Merthyr Tydfil Council grants planning permission
Blake Morgan has advised on the landmark Rhydycar West project in Merthyr Tydfil, which saw planning permission granted by the Council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday, 7 January. The decision marks a major milestone for one for the largest regeneration-led investments in South Wales, enabling the project to move towards delivery following confirmation by Welsh Government that the application would not be called in.
The approval clears the way for a £300m leisure and tourism destination that will establish Merthyr Tydfil as a year-round hub for sport, adventure and active leisure. The scheme will be anchored by the UK’s longest indoor snow centre – around 400 metres – alongside a tropical waterpark, indoor and outdoor activity centres, hotel accommodation and woodland lodges.
Rhydycar West is intended to operate as a national centre of excellence and training base for GB and Welsh Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams, while also attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.
Blake Morgan advised the developer on project and planning matters. The firm’s Construction Partner Joanna Rees provided project advice, and Planning Legal Director Amardip Healy led on planning strategy, with support from Counsel Douglas Edwards KC of Francis Taylor Building. The planning consultants for the scheme were Carney Sweeney (Cardiff). From early 2024, the planning approach focused on removing barriers to progress, this included anticipating an officer recommendation for refusal, and preparing for a potential committee overturn – which was achieved unanimously in March 2025 before the Welsh Government’s holding direction was subsequently lifted.
Commenting on the decision, Amardip Healy said:
This outcome reflects a clear, evidence led planning strategy and constructive engagement with stakeholders over many months. I am proud to have supported a scheme with the potential to transform local opportunity through high quality, year round leisure. The resolution demonstrates how sound planning judgment, informed by real world public sector insight, can unlock nationally significant development.
Construction Partner Joanna Rees added:
Rhydycar West is a catalyst for regeneration – bringing new visitors, investment and supply chain opportunities to the Valleys, and complementing South Wales’s growing adventure and active tourism offer. It has been a privilege to support the client’s vision over a number of years and to help position the project for delivery following the grant of permission.
The development is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits, including new jobs, enhanced skills, increased tourism and long-term opportunities for local businesses during both construction and operation. Local Councillors have described the project as “ground‑breaking” and a “game changer” for Merthyr Tydfil, underlining its potential to shift the town’s socio‑economic trajectory and strengthen its profile as a destination of choice.
Blake Morgan’s role on Rhydycar West Blake Morgan continues to advise the Rhydycar West team as the project progresses into the delivery phase. It highlights the firm’s ability to support complex, investment-backed developments through the full lifecycle of a project.
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