Major £7 million plan aims to transform a beautiful UK waterfall into a major new British tourist attraction
- UK Hidden Gems
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
A plan to develop some of Wales’ most appealing tourist spots has now been approved.
A number of local residents objected to the £7 million proposal for Waterfall Country at Pontneddfechan in Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons.
Their objections came from worries that it could turn a quiet country village into a busy tourist centre, harming local wildlife and creating more litter and noise.
Even so, councillors voted in favour of the scheme, meaning the area will soon see a new car park, shop and holiday accommodation built there.
The proposal was first put forward by Neath Port Talbot council to ease visitor pressure in a place loved for its waterfalls, countryside and beautiful views.
The council’s planning committee agreed to the plans with no objections, then went on to secure £7 million in funding from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Councillors heard that, along with a 125 space car park, the upgrades would include a children’s play area, a coffee shop, eight guest bedrooms and improvements to nearby roads.
A toilet block and some other buildings will be removed, and a new farm track will be created to the west of the site.
The project also hopes to solve long standing parking problems. In the busy summer months, cars often line the roads and pavements, leaving residents feeling overwhelmed.
Planners were told that 37 local residents responded to the plans, with most of them against the idea.
Their concerns included loss of privacy, damage to narrow footpaths, fears that the village entrance might change to suit tourists and worries about the impact on a local farmer’s livelihood.
The Brecon Beacons is a protected area known for its breathtaking scenery, cultural and historical significance, educational value and scientific importance.
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As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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