Powys county councillor for Cwm Tawe Uchaf, Cllr David Thomas (Labour), said: “I’d firstly like to say that I welcome the proposed investment in this project and the future ‘re-energising’ of the local economy that it offers. “However, I am aware of concerns held by the residents impacted by these proposals which I would request the planning committee examine further to satisfy themselves that any adverse impact on these communities can be mitigated.” Cllr Thomas also wants to see a liaison body be created in the future. This would allow representatives from GCRE and “nominated local representatives” to discuss and share information on the project with each other.
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
A site masterplan shows how the GCRE will take shape. PROPOSALS for a £150 million rail testing centre near Ystradgynlais have been called in to be decided by Powys County Council’s (PCC) planning committee. An outline planning application by the Welsh Government to build a Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) at the Nant Helen opencast coal mine, was lodged with both Powys and Neath Port Talbot Borough Council at the end of March. If successful the project is expected to be fully operational by 2025, bringing a possible 300 jobs to the area. But concerns about the proposal have been aired in the area.
Nant Helen drift coal mine near Ystradgynlais. PROPOSALS for a £150 million rail testing centre near Ystradgynlais have been called in to be decided by Powys County Council’s (PCC) planning committee. An outline planning application by the Welsh Government to build a Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) at the Nant Helen opencast coal mine, was lodged with both Powys and Neath Port Talbot Borough Council at the end of March. If successful the project is expected to be fully operational by 2025, bringing a possible 300 jobs to the area. But concerns about the proposal have been aired in the area.
The creation of a £150 million rail testing centre in the county has taken another step forward with the submission of plans to Powys County Council. The Welsh Government’s new ‘Global Centre of Rail Excellence’ – the first of its kind in the UK – is expected to be fully operational by 2025, bringing up to 300 jobs to the area. It will be constructed at Nant Helen opencast coal mine, near Ystradgynlais, and Onllwyn coal washery and distribution centre, after Celtic Energy ends its operations at the mine later this year. Under the plans, a 6.9 kilometre high-speed testing track and 4.5km low-speed high-tonnage testing track will be built at the Nant Helen site along with a dual platform station.