Tunnel portal excavation at Land To The West Of Michael's Road, Blaencwm

“The application site measures approximately 0.87 hectares and contains the tunnel’s former entrance portal, an access route to the east of the tunnel entrance, and an area of land located approximately 130m to the south.”

“Topographic data indicates that the elevation of the portal entrance is around 242m AOD, which slopes towards the north-east to an elevation of 239m AOD at the north- eastern access gate. The land to the south of the site is located at a slightly steeper gradient to the former entrance portal.”

“As part of the application the following were consulted. A brief precis of responses is included for Committee’s information.”

“RCT Highways & Transportation – no objection subject to the submission of a Construction Method Statement • RCT Flood Risk Management – advise that the development will require SuDS / SAB approval.”

“As a result of this exercise two letters of support welcoming the reopening of the tunnel as a tourism feature were received from the public along with the following:”

“A letter of support was received from the Railway Heritage Trust advising that they have been working with the Rhondda Tunnel Society and offering financial support towards the project.”

“The Head of Major Development and Investment began by outlining the contents of two ‘late’ letters, one which broadly supported the application, and one which was an objection.”

“The Head of Major Development and Investment then presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”