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.
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