Big Hurdle Cleared By Circuit Of Wales

News that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are not asking ministers to investigate the proposed Circuit of Wales motor racing circuit development at Ebbw Vale is being viewed as a big hurdle cleared.

What The Circuit Of Wales Could Look Like

Had NRW been concerned about the visual impact on the nearby Brecon Beacons National Park, it could have recommended a so-called "call in" by ministers which would have delayed the scheme by up to a year.

Campaigners in favour of the development declared the news to be  "a big boost" for the plans - and said it was "heartening" that NRW had worked with the developers to secure the agreement.
The Welsh government said it would consider responses from other people affected by the plans before deciding whether or not the application should be called in. But the okay from NRW is deemed significant.

Developers want the 830 acres (335 hectares) site to host all motor racing championships - except Formula One. The plans would also include a hotel with conference facilities along with a business and leisure complex. The outline planning consent for the race track was granted unanimously by Blaenau Gwent council on 10 July.

But NRW had been asked by the Welsh government to advise it on whether the scheme should be called in for further investigations. Graham Hillier from NRW said the body had recognised the importance of the development for the local community.

"Equally, we would have failed in our statutory duties if we had not raised the concerns about the impact this proposed development could have on the environment," he said. “Following lengthy discussion with the developers, we have agreed how the potential impacts of this development could be mitigated and the scheme can progress."

The MP for Blaenau Gwent, Nick Smith, warned that there was still a long way to go before the plans became reality but welcomed the decision by NRW. He said the venture would bring thousands of jobs to the area. "It would be a real turning point in Blaenau Gwent's history," he said. "We have been bereft of a big development for a generation, and our community has suffered as a result.

"It is heartening to see the NRW using their remit to work with the developers for the benefit of everyone concerned. There is still a long way to go but a big hurdle has been overcome."
NRW had in the first instance raised several concerns about the plans for the race track, which included loss of habitat and visual effect on the nearby Brecon Beacons national park. Gwent Wildlife Trust also said it was concerned about the environmental impact of the development on land next to the Rassau industrial estate.

Michael Carrick, chief executive of Heads of the Valleys Development Company which is behind the project, pointed out that it had worked with interested parties all the way through  the planning process to make sure that all concerns were addressed.

"After ongoing discussions with Natural Resources Wales we are pleased to have reached a positive outcome and await further news once the Welsh government has had sufficient time to consider the responses from stakeholders," he added.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: "We have received a letter from NRW indicating their view that the planning application need not be called in on issues within their remit. Officials will now consider the responses of other consultees and all other information before them and prepare advice for the minister on whether or not the application should be called in.  This will be done as soon as possible."

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