Planning Application Approved

At the Rhondda Cynon Taf C.B.C. Planning Committee of Thursday 15th. January, the application by the Rhondda Tunnel Society (24/1231/FUL) to expose the buried tunnel entrance at Blaencwm was approved unanimously and councillors expressed their delight that progress was being made.

This is the first step in a programme to re-open the tunnel in stages to become the world’s longest continuously open walking/cycling tunnel; a longer one in the USA closes in winter. The 8000m3 of material that was used to fill-in the approach to the tunnel in about 1980 will be moved to the nearby former Glenrhondda Colliery site which the Society owns, to form part of the features to convert the site into a country park.

The Society’s plan is to re-open the tunnel in stages as funding becomes available. This stage is supported by a grant of £100k from the Railways Heritage Trust. The next stage is to expose the other entrance at Blaengwynfi – more expensive as the tunnel is deeper there, then carry out repairs followed by re-purposing of the tunnel for walking/cycling. A 2018 survey by Balfour Beatty Rail reported that although some repairs were needed, the tunnel was generally in excellent condition.

The Society’s patron, TV presenter Martin Roberts says, “The re-opening of the tunnel as a walking and cycling route will have massive impact on the area, from an economic, social and tourism perspective. Such projects attract visitors on a local, National and International scale. The fact that it will be the longest continually open tunnel of its kind in the world enhances its appeal further. It is located in a key geographical position to enable the linking of numerous existing and planned tourist attractions to create a destination that can offer attractions to support multi-night stays, and will be pivotal to enhanced cycling, walking and active travel in the region.”