Plans to build three new downhill runs at a Gwynedd tourist attraction have been given the green light by planners.

Planners have approved an application submitted by Antur Stiniog mountain bike centre which could see six jobs created in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Since 2014 there have been five public trails based at Ffestiniog’s Llechwedd Slate Caverns complex, but the latest plans would expand the offering to eight at what is the only purpose-built centre of its kind in Wales with a full uplift service.

According to Gwynedd Council, no letters of objection were received during the consultation phase, and Ffestiniog Town Council was also supportive of the development in principle.

A condition of the planning approval, which was awarded without the need to go in front of the planning committee, will see construction work restricted to between September and March in order to avoid nesting season.

In the statement accompanying the full planning application, Adrian Bradley from Antur Stiniog said the development would sustain its current workforce of 19, as well as create further employment in the area and providing a welcome boost for the local economy.

Antur Stiniog went on to note: “Two of the new trails will be mainly unsurfaced to give variation to riders on site, as all the current trails are ‘armoured’ and very rocky.

“The brief to the trail designers for the new blue trail will be to use sub base and slate chippings to the surface, but will be less steep than the current trails to appeal to a wider market and reduce erosion to the trail surface due to excessive braking from riders.”

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