£7m Waterfall Country Bannau Brycheiniog tourism plans approved

The plans were put forward by Neath Port Talbot council to “ease visitor pressures” in an area known for its stunning waterfalls, scenery and countryside.

They were approved unanimously by the council planning committee, and came after a successful funding application to the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund worth more than £7m.

Councillors were told that as well as a 125-space car park with a new access point for vehicles, improvements would include a children’s play park, eight bedrooms for tourists, a coffee kiosk and a road upgrade.

Existing buildings and a toilet block will be knocked down, and a farm track created to the west of the site.

The project will also try to tackle parking problems in the area, which has been known to face serious issues with traffic during busy summer months, with lines of cars often seen covering roads and pavements to the frustration of “overwhelmed” residents.